General Description:
Common Name: Sweetbay Magnolia
Scientific Name: Magnolia virginiana
Other Names: Swamp Magnolia, Laurel Magnolia, White Bay
Family: Magnoliaceae
Native Range: Eastern and Southeastern United States
Habit:Semi-evergreen to evergreen tree or large shrub
Height: Typically 10-35 feet, but can reach up to 60 feet in warmer climates
Spread: 10-20 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Zones: USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9
Leaves:
Shape and Size: Oblong, 3-5 inches long, leathery
Color: Dark green above, silvery-white below
Type: Semi-evergreen (deciduous in colder climates)
Aroma: Mildly fragrant when crushed
Flowers:
Size: 2-3 inches in diameter
Color: Creamy white
Blooming Period: Late spring to summer (May-July)
Fragrance: Sweet, lemony fragrance
Shape: Cup-shaped, with 9-12 petals
Pollinators: Attracts bees and butterflies
Fruit:
Type: Cone-like aggregate of follicles
Color: Reddish when mature
Seeds: Bright red seeds that are exposed when the follicles split open
Wildlife: Seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals
Bark:
Color: Smooth, light gray
Texture: Thin and delicate, often with small, raised lenticels
Habitat:
Native Habitat: Swamps, marshes, and moist woodlands
Soil Preferences: Prefers acidic, moist, well-drained soils; tolerates wet and poorly drained soils
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Uses:
Ornamental Use: Popular in landscaping for its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers
Wildlife Garden: Provides food and habitat for wildlife, especially birds
Timber: Wood is lightweight and used for furniture and cabinetry in some regions
Care and Maintenance:
Watering: Requires consistent moisture, especially in hot and dry conditions
Pruning: Minimal pruning required, mostly to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches
Fertilizing: Benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer
Pests and Diseases: Relatively pest-free but can be susceptible to scale insects and powdery mildew in certain conditions
Ecological Role:
Role in Ecosystem: Provides nectar for pollinators and food for birds; acts as a host plant for some butterfly species
Adaptations: Tolerant of wet conditions, making it suitable for rain gardens and wetland restoration projects
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