Sweetbay Magnolia virginiana

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, open 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 100' tall. It is often multi-stemmed and straggling. It has smooth bark, narrow, rounded crown, and shallow roots. It tolerates wet and swampy sites and has aromatic spicy leaves and twigs and extremely fragrant flowers. It requires acidic soils and has no serious pest or disease problems. Winter damage occurs in zone 6 and the upper part of zone 5.

An excellent specimen tree for lawns or tall multi-stemmed shrub for shrub borders. This plant is not as popular as southern magnolia due to its smaller flowers. It blooms sporadically over the tree during summer months. It is often planted in parks. Good for landscaping as it is a deer-resistant plant. 

Dwarf plants occur with smaller growth forms and leaves and can be used in foundation plantings, near patios or on the periphery of woodland areas. This plant is moderately salt tolerant.

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

Quick ID Hints:

• Evergreen, laurel-like leaves silvery below
• White summer magnolia flowers 

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.