Sweetbay Magnolia

Magnolia virginiana L.

mag-NOAL-ee-ah vir-gin-ee-AY-nah

Magnoliaceae

Explanation of name:  Genus named for Pierre Magnol, 1638-1715, botanist at Montpellier (BA1, FNA).  Specific epithet is self-explanatory.

Natural range:  Eastern and southern U.S., including Palm Beach County (mature specimen in Sweetbay Natural Area) (FNA)

Recognition: Tree having the simple, alternate leaves whitish on the undersides, the large terminal bud conical and covered with a stipule.  Flowers large, round, white, fragrant (fruity type smell), protogynous (female phase before male phase), with 9-12 separate petals, numerous stamens and numerous pistils.  Fruits comprised of numerous separate carpels, each with a dangling red seed. Differs from Magnolia grandiflora by having smaller flowers, and by having the leaves white on the undersides.

Landscape uses:  Potentially a large tree to 60’ (BA1 usually with well defined leader and comparatively narrow crown), tends to be open and somewhat spindly, detracting from value as a shade tree.  Of interest as one of the few native flowering trees.  Prefers wet, acid soils. (NE4 notes well drained but moist soil is acceptable.)  Grows naturally in moist, wet soils near swamps, streams and ponds.  Medium to fast growth

Note: Has symbiotic relationship with Sweetbay Silkmoth (TOM).

Internet sources: 

http://www.discoverlife.org/nh/tx/Plantae/Dicotyledoneae/Magnoliaceae/Magnolia/virginiana/.

Also see TOM.