Sweetbay Magnolia

Sweetbay Magnolia

Magnolia virginiana

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Plantae
Abundance: Common
Habitat: Forest, Wetland

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

Scientific Name

Magnolia virginiana

Common Name

Sweetbay Magnolia
Plant Type
Tree
Foliage
Evergreen
Flowering Season
April-July
Fruiting Season
Early Fall

Ecological Role

Provides forage for fruit eating birds, nectar for beetles and moths, larval host of the Sweetbay silkmoth (Callosamia securifera)

Habitat Types

Forest
Wetland

Geographic Distribution

Native to the lowlands and swamps of the Atlantic coastal plain of the eastern United States, from Florida to Long Island, New York

Local Abundance

Common

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

How You Can Help

  • Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
  • Support habitat conservation efforts
  • Follow guidelines when observing wildlife

Additional Notes

Sweetbay is semi-evergreen

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