Sweetbay Magnolia
Magnolias are signature trees of the South, and the sweetbay magnolia is a native tree that’s beautiful and easy to grow.
The sweetbay magnolia is related to the well-known Southern magnolia. The differences between the two can be found in their foliage. Sweetbay’s evergreen leaves are “papery,” less leathery than Southern magnolia’s, have a silvery underside and are fragrant when crushed, unlike the leaves of Southern magnolia.
Like its cousin, sweetbay has large, creamy white flowers that are pleasingly lemon scented. It’s typically found in wetland areas.
Sweetbay magnolia usually has a single trunk and upright branches, making it a nice tree for planting in outdoor living areas like decks, patios, and pools.
It should be planted in full sun or partial shade, preferably in a rich, acidic soil. Be sure to water it at least twice weekly for the first few months.