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Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn
Magnolia virginiana L.
Sweetbay, Sweetbay magnolia, Swampbay
Magnoliaceae (Magnolia Family)
USDA Symbol: mavi2
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
This is a slender tree or shrub with pale grey bark, 12-20 ft. tall, occasionally growing to 50 ft. in the southern part of its range. Multiple, slender, upright trunks bear picturesque, horizontal branches. Tree has aromatic, spicy foliage and twigs. Leaves are simple, green above and whitish below, 3–6 inches long and 1–2 1/2 inches wide. Leaves are semi-evergreen to evergreen and dark green in the South; tardily deciduous, changing to bronze-purple in the North. Foliage is smaller and thinner than southern magnolia. The solitary, fragrant flowers are 4-6 in. across, with 9-12 velvety-white petals 2-3 inches across. Flowers are followed by dark red aggregate fruits exposing bright red seeds. Blossom opening in the morning and closing at night for 2 or 3 days.
This attractive, native ornamental is popular for its fragrant flowers borne over a long period, showy conelike fruit, handsome foliage of contrasting colors, and smooth bark. Introduced into European gardens as early as 1688. Called Beavertree by colonists who caught beavers in traps baited with the fleshy roots.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf Retention: Semi-evergreen
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Size Class: 36-72 ft.
Leaf Shape: Elliptic , Obovate , Ovate
Leaf Apex: Acuminate , Acute , Obtuse , Rounded
Leaf Base: Cuneate
Leaf Texture: Leathery
Breeding System: Hermaphroditic
Fruit Type: Aggregate
Leaf Color: Dark green above, brownish below.
Flower Size: 5-8 cm across.
Fruit Color: Red
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , DE , FL , GA , LA , MD , MA , MS , NJ , NY , NC , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA , DCNative Distribution: Coastal Plain from e. MA to FL, w. to TN, s. AR & e. TX.
Native Habitat: Open woodlands, Shaded woods, Swamps
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: HighLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: None
Soil Description: Rich, moist soils. . Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Acid-based
Conditions Comments: Sweetbay is slow-growing and has no serious disease or insect problems. It is good for a small patio or specimen tree. Prune after blooming during the growing season because dormant magnolias do not easily heal.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Attractive, Aromatic, Showy, Blooms ornamentalUse Wildlife: Very low. Nectar-moths, Nectar-beetles
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Magnolia virginiana is a larval host and/or nectar source for:|
Sweetbay silkmoth (Callosamia securifera)  Larval Host |
Propagation
Description: Propagate using stratified seed or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer.Seed Collection: When ripe, the seeds are bright red, fleshy, oily, soft on the outside and stony on the inside. Gather when ripe. Clean and store in moist sand or sphagnum moss in refrigerator. Cold, moist storage also serves at stratification.
Seed Treatment: Stored seed must be kept moist and cool which will also serve as stratification. Stratify at least 60 days.
Commercially Avail: yes
PlantWise: Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants
Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay) is a PlantWise native alternative for: Ardisia elliptica (shoebutton)
Ficus altissima (council tree)
Ficus altissima (council tree)
Ficus altissima (council tree)
Ficus benghalensis (Indian banyan)
Ficus benghalensis (Indian banyan)
Ficus benghalensis (Indian banyan)
Ficus microcarpa (Chinese banyan)
Ficus microcarpa (Chinese banyan)
Ficus microcarpa (Chinese banyan)
Hibiscus syriacus (rose of Sharon)
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Question: Hi. we need plants to act as a barrier fence, 15 feet tall, partial shade. We are considering a holly or virginia magnolia. What can you suggest?
thank you,
Nikita
click here to view the full question and answer
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Native Plant Nursery - Sanibel, FL
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS
Bibliography
Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright
Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski and Wasowski
* Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
* Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski
Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller
Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife (1999) Damude, N. & K.C. Bender
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Magnolia virginiana in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Magnolia virginiana in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Magnolia virginiana
Metadata
Record Modified: 2009-02-18Research By: TWC Staff
