Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) is also a native evergreen magnolia. It’s native range extends some into the Piedmont area but it is largely found in the Coastal Plain where it grows naturally in lowland and swamp areas. While its flowers are much smaller than the Southern magnolia (M. grandiflora), they are just as fragrant and the fruit is very attractive. The tree itself can grow up to 90 feet tall in ideal conditions. The supple evergreen leaves often have a glaucous (whitish) underside which helps to quickly distinguish it from other trees with similar leaves in lowland areas. Magnolia virginiana var. australis is considered the southern form and more reliably evergreen form and quite a few cultivars have been developed from it. The species seems adaptable to cultivation. Both of these pictures are from professional plantings.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 12:00:00 +0000
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