Magnolia virginiana Magnoliaceae Leaves are simple, alternate, evergreen, elliptical, approximately 6 inches long, and silvery white on the underside. Young twigs are green and hairy with a velvety hairy terminal bud. Bark is mottled gray-brown to almost white and smooth, becoming scaly on older stems. Flowers are white and fragrant.
Fruit is a cone-like cluster of red follicles.
Sweetbay magnolia is found on moist to wet sites in the southeastern U.S. Intermediate shade tolerance. Click on image to enlarge. All text and photographs are intended for educational purposes only and are not for commercial use in any form. 1999, all rights reserved. Photographs by Mike Hogan.