Sweetbay Magnolia
Magnolia virginiana var. australis
Are you looking for a semi-evergreen, flowering tree that can add winter interest to your rain garden? Sweetbay Magnolia is the perfect native, showy, compact tree for you! It can grow as either a 15-20′ tall tree with a spreading, crown or as a shorter, multi-stemmed shrub. In addition to its variable form, Sweetbay Magnolia boasts aromatic, creamy-white, waxy flowers. Pollinated by beneficial beetles, the flowers stand out boldly juxtaposed with the shiny green and silver foliage. Don’t forget about the bright red seeds on display in the fall!
Conditions: Full sun to part shade; average to wet soil
Size: 15-60′
Zone: 5-10
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract small bees, tumbling flower beetles, solider beetles and other pollinators; larval host for Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
