SKU: TM00500

Magnolia virginiana - Sweetbay Magnolia is a slow-growing, small to medium sized evergreen to semi-evergreen tree or shrub. In northern climates it grows mainly as a shrub and may be deciduous, in southern climates the tree may reach 70 feet. Very fragrant, large (2-3"), creamy-white, waxy flowers appear at the end of twigs in late May, and periodically throughout the summer. Prefers moist, rich, acid, organic soils and tolerates flooding but not drought.

Height: 10 to 50 feet
Spread: 10 to 50 feet
Zone: 5 to 10
Soil type: Rich, moist, Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Acid-based Soils
Soil pH: Acidic, pH < 6.8
Light: Part shade
Moisture: Medium wet to wet
Flowers: Creamy-White in May-June
Fruit: Cone-like fruits with bright red seeds
Fall color: Bronze-purple to evergreen

Wildlife value: Used for cover, perching, and nesting by songbirds. Seeds are eaten by gray squirrels and occasionally by songbirds and gamebirds.
Notes of Interest: Used medicinally by Houma Indians. Browsed by deer and cattle. Magnolia wood is used by the food industry for making cherry boxes, flats, and baskets. The wood is also used for popsicle sticks, tongue depressors, broom handles, veneer, and Venetian blinds.

Distribution
USA: AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, LA, MD, MA, MS, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA
Native Distribution: Coastal Plain from e. MA to FL, w. to TN, s. AR & e. TX.
Native Habitat: Open woodlands, Shaded woods, Swamps