Sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana)
Sweetbay is a semi-evergreen to evergreen tree which may grow to a height of 60 feet. The tree has alternate leaves with a smooth margin and silvery white underside. The bark is reddish brown to gray and is often mottled. In late spring, 2- to 3-inch creamy white flowers mature. The tree produces a cone-like aggregate of follicles containing a scarlet red seed that reaches maturity in the fall.
WildlifeProvides winter and extreme weather cover. Host plant for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Foliage and twigs are eaten by white-tailed deer in winter, and seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals.
| Plant Type |
Tree >30 feet |
| Leaf Type |
Evergreen |
| Deer Resistance |
Moderate |
| Regions |
Piedmont, Coastal Plain |
| Light |
Full Sun, Partial Sun/Shade |
| Soil |
Wet, Moist |
| Bloom Times |
Spring, Summer |
| Seed Times |
Fall |
| Wildlife Value |
Winter Cover, Seed or Nut, Butterfly Larvae Host |
 |
|
