Sweet Bay Magnolia

Sweet Bay Magnolia Tree

The Sweet Bay Magnolia Tree is elegantly shaped and will grow to a height of up to 20 feet and spread between 10 and 20 feet when it reaches full maturity. This particular tree grows at a steady rate of between 13 and 24 inches per year. It thrives from May through June. Most of these trees are multi-stemmed specimens. However, there are some single-trunk trees out there.

Sweet Bay Magnolia Is Highly Fragrant

When it blooms, this glistening tree unveils lustrous, dark leaves with a silvery look. These frosted leaves will grow to a length between three and five inches. In late spring to early summer, creamy white flowers will develop. These are about two to three inches in diameter and let off a lemon scent. This highly fragrant tree is the perfect choice for a patio or backyard where you can enjoy the aroma it releases. 

Native to the eastern United States, the tree will have smooth, green bark when it's young and mature to have dark gray bark. This deciduous tree will develop aggregate fruit. This fruit will be pickle-shaped and about two inches long. The fruit will start green, turn to light pink, then to a bright scarlet red when fully matured. This fruit will naturally split open to showcase its bright red seeds. This will attract much eye-catching wildlife, including quail, gray squirrels, turkey, blue jays, vireos, towhees, Northern flickers, and other songbirds. This compact tree's leaves will turn from dark green to a breath-taking yellowish-brown tone to set the autumn mood during the fall season.

Sweet Bay Magnolia is a Beautiful Spring Blooming Tree

 This adorable tree is part of the Magnoliaceae plant family, called a Laurel Magnolia, Swamp Magnolia, Southern Sweetbay, Swampbay, Small Magnolia, White Bay, White Laural, Swamp Laurel, Beaver Tree, Magnolia Virginiana, or even just a Sweetbay tree. This long-living and fast-growing tree supports an upright growth habit that demands respect. Its picturesque horizontal branches are adaptable to different growing conditions and can bring a necessary backdrop of luscious green intermingled with white blossoms to any landscaping design.