Magnolia virginiana Magnolia virginiana

Magnolia virginiana, commonly called sweet bay magnolia, is native to the coastal areas southeastern United States north along the Atlantic coast to New York. In the northern part of its cultivated growing range, it typically grows as either a 15-20' tall tree with a spreading, rounded crown or as a shorter, suckering, open, multi-stemmed shrub. In the deep South, it is apt to be more tree-like, sometimes growing to 60' tall.  It has smooth bark, narrow, rounded crown, and shallow roots.  It is multistemmed, with an upright spreading habit.  It tolerates wet sites and has aromatic spicy leaves and twigs and extremely fragrant flowers. 

An excellent specimen tree for lawns or tall multi-stemmed shrub for shrub borders. Used in foundation plantings, near patios or on the periphery of woodland areas. It is often planted in parks.

This plant is moderately salt tolerant.

Seasons of Interest: 

     Bloom:  Spring, Summer      Fruit/Seed/Nut: Fall, cones

 Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems:  Susceptible to chlorosis in alkaline soils.