Sweetbay Magnolia or Magnolia virginiana is a remarkable tree, native to the U.S. Coastal Plain, stretching from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Texas. The first of its type to be scientifically described, this species symbolizes all flowering plants. Known for its slender, aromatic leaves which could be used as a condiment or made into a tea, this tree delivers an appealing contrast of sparkling dark green above and ghostly pale beneath. You could let them grow tall or prune them for a tamed, structured look. In favorable circumstances, their height can go beyond 90 feet.
Sweetbay magnolias are valuable as an ornamental tree because they can thrive in very wet soils, yet can also cope with drier sites. The sweetbay flowers are small, creamy-white, and emit a lemony scent. They bloom from May to July or even September, offering a long flowering period. Magnolias are also known for their resistance to verticillium wilt fungal disease.
