Beechwood Landscape Architecture and Construction

Magnolia Virginiana 
Sweetbay Magnolia

Type This is a flowering tree, typically planted for its profusion of spring flowers.

Hardy range The sweetbay magnolia can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 5–9.

Height The sweetbay magnolia grows to a height of 10–20' and a spread of 10–20' at maturity.

Growth rate This tree grows at a medium to fast rate, with height increases of anywhere from 13" to more than 24" per year.

Exposure Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree, meaning it prefers a minimum of 4 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day

Bloom Color Produces creamy white flowers 2–3" in diameter that carry a light lemon scent.

Bloom Time Blooms May through June, avoiding damaging spring frost.


Attributes

• Flowers best in full sun.
• Typically grows as a multi-stemmed specimen but can be found with a single trunk.
• Features simple leaves 3–5" in length that are dark green and often lustrous on top with a silvery, frosted-looking underside.
• Grows in a columnar or vase shape.
• Yields clusters of red fruit that attracts wildlife.
• Works well as a specimen or patio tree.

Wildlife Value The fruit is eaten by gray squirrels, white-footed mice, turkey and quail as well as a variety of songbirds including vireos, towhees, Northern flicker and blue jays.