Sweetbay Magnolia
Magnolia virginiana
Sweetbay magnolia grows at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in Anne Arundel County, Md., on April 2, 2017. The small, native evergreen tree grows in forested swamps and wetlands in the Chesapeake Bay region. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Sweetbay magnolias produce bundles of dark red seeds in early autumn. (Chicago Botanic Garden)
Sweetbay magnolias in the Chesapeake Bay region usually grow about 20-30 feet tall. (Chicago Botanic Garden)
Sweetbay magnolias have large, creamy white flowers that bloom in May-July. (Carol Foil/Flickr)
Sweetbay magnolia leaves may turn brown in winter. (dogtooth77/Flickr)
A sweetbay magnolia tree blooms in a bioretention basin treating stormwater pollution from five acres of impervious surface on the campus of MedStar Harbor Hospital in Baltimore on May 21, 2019. The hospital partnered with Blue Water Baltimore and Plisko Sustainable Solutions, LLC, and received funding from Chesapeake Bay Trust for the design and Maryland Department of Natural Resources for the construction. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
The sweetbay magnolia is a small, semi-evergreen tree with large, creamy white flowers that bloom in early summer. It grows in forested swamps and wetlands throughout most of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Appearance
The sweetbay magnolia has long, oval leaves that grow 4 to 6 inches in length. The leaves are shiny, smooth and leathery on top, whitish on the bottom and have blunt tips. They may turn brown in winter. Large, creamy white flowers bloom in May to July. The sweetbay magnolia grows 20 to 30 feet tall.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Bundles of dark red seeds are produced in early autumn. Animals such as squirrels and songbirds spread the seeds.
Did You Know?
- Sweetbay magnolias in the Chesapeake Bay region usually only grow about 20 feet tall, but in the southern U.S. they can grow to 90 feet.
- They are listed as an endangered species in New York and a threatened species in Pennsylvania.
- Sweetbay leaves smell spicy when crushed.
- Early colonists referred to magnolias as beavertrees because they used the tree’s fragrant roots as bait in beaver traps.
Sources and Additional Information
- Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping: Chesapeake Bay Watershed – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Chesapeake Bay: Nature of the Estuary, A Field Guide by Christopher P. White
- PLANTS Database: Magnolia virginiana – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Magnolia virginiana – U.S. Forest Service
- Sweetbay Magnolia – Dave’s Garden
Quick Facts
Species
Native
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Size
20 to 30 feet tall -
Habitat
Grows in forested swamps and wetlands, as well as along stream banks. Can be planted in wet and moist areas in yards.
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Range
Throughout most of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, except West Virginia.
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Status
Threatened
