Magnolia virginiana (Sweet Bay Magnolia) is a semi evergreen tree or large shrub prized for its lemon scented white flowers, glossy foliage, and smooth gray bark. Thrives in moist to wet soils and brings elegance to woodland borders, rain gardens, and naturalized plantings.
Height & Spread: 10 - 35 ft x 10 - 20 ft
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, acidic, well drained to wet soils
Watering Needs: Moderate to high; prefers consistent moisture
Deer Resistance: Moderately deer resistant
Native Status
Native to the southeastern and mid Atlantic United States, Magnolia virginiana occurs naturally in swamps, bog edges, and moist woods.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Red eyed Vireos, Brown Thrashers, and Northern Mockingbirds eat the red seeds, while dense foliage provides shelter for nesting.
Moths
- Supports caterpillars of native moths such as Sweetbay Silkmoth and Promethea Moth.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 15 - 20 ft apart for single specimens or informal groupings in naturalized areas or moist woodland edges.
Landscape Placement
- Best suited for rain gardens, streambanks, pond edges, and low lying woodlands where its tolerance for wet conditions and showy flowers can be showcased.
Companion Plants
- Itea virginica (Virginia Sweetspire) - Offers fragrant flowers and red fall color that echo the moist woodland habitat of Sweet Bay Magnolia.
- Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower) - Adds vivid red flowers in summer that attract hummingbirds and thrive in similar wet soils.
- Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon Fern) - Provides bold fronds and a lush ground layer beneath Magnolia canopies.
- Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet) - Produces fragrant white spikes and thrives in moist, acidic soils near Sweet Bay.
- Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush Blueberry) - Offers edible berries, attractive foliage, and a shared preference for acidic conditions.