Common Name

Sweetbay Magnolia

Scientific Name

Magnolia virginiana

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)

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Threats & Impacts

Notes

Sweetbay is semi-evergreen