Aromatic semi-evergreen magnolia of coastal swamps and wet pinelands of the Atlantic and Gulf Coast plains. Cup-shaped white flowers with a sweet lemon scent bloom May–July. Leaves are leathery, dark green above and silvery-white beneath — a strong flash of underside in wind. Tolerates standing water better than southern magnolia.
§ Quick facts
§ Identification
Field marks. Small to medium tree with smooth gray bark; oval leaves; fragrant creamy-white flowers (smaller than Southern Magnolia).
Similar species. Southern Magnolia (evergreen; massive flowers).
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. N/A — photosynthesis
Behavior. Smaller deciduous (vs. evergreen Southern Magnolia) native magnolia. Aromatic creamy-white flowers in summer.
§ Range
Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain from Long Island NY south to Florida and west to east Texas.
§ Habitat
Bottomland swamps, pocosins, wet pine flatwoods, blackwater riverbanks; sea level to 600 m.
§ Threats
Coastal wetland conversion, salt-water intrusion from sea level rise, fire suppression in pine flatwoods.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the sweetbay magnolia is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Wetland conservation, prescribed fire, coastal flatwood preservation; tolerant ornamental in moist landscapes.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Magnolia virginiana
- iNaturalist · taxon 52853
- IUCN Red List — search for Magnolia virginiana
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Magnolia virginiana
§ Sources cited
- USDA Forest Service Silvics Manual
