An attractive, native ornamental with a smooth trunk, a narrow, rounded crown, thick, leathery leaves, and fragrant, white flowers in late spring and early summer. The showy, cone-like fruit is dark red and appears in early autumn. The Sweetbay is almost evergreen, but sometimes sheds its leaves in winter. The aromatic foliage and twigs give off a spicy smell when crushed. Height: 15-20’ Spread: 10-20’
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Magnoliales
Family: Magnoliaceae
Genus: Magnolia
Species: Magnolia virginiana
Habitat
Forest, Wetland
Distribution
Native to the lowlands and swamps of the Atlantic coastal plain of the eastern United States, from Florida to Long Island, New York
Abundance
Common
Activity Time
Diurnal
Diet
Behavior
Ecological Role
Provides forage for fruit eating birds, nectar for beetles and moths, larval host of the Sweetbay silkmoth (Callosamia securifera)