Magnolia virginiana (Sweet Bay Magnolia)

Magnolia virginiana, commonly called sweet bay magnolia, is a native, deciduous to semi-evergreen, large shrub or small tree that thrives in wet, partially shaded areas. Noted for its attractive and fragrant blooms, much like other magnolias, sweet bay magnolia matures to 10-30' tall and wide, though in warmer areas further south, it can get much larger. In the late spring and summer, Magnolia virginiana produces large, creamy white flowers, with beige to golden yellow centers; these blooms are attractive to a wide number of pollinators, including bees, beetles, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. In the late summer and fall, flowers turn to strange-looking fruit pods with red seeds that are attractive to birds.

With its relatively large size and suckering behavior, sweet bay magnolia is an excellent choice for large naturalized hedges or screens, but also grows well as an understory planting or as a specimen plant. Magnolia virginiana grows best in full sun to partial shade and medium to wet soils; sweet bay is not picky about soil type, but puts on its best show in organically rich, slightly acidic soils. With its gorgeous flowers, attractive and glossy semi-evergreen foliage, and high ecological value, sweet bay magnolia makes for a wonderful choice as a specimen tree or for use in a rain garden.