Sweetbay Magnolia

Names

Common Names
Sweetbay, Beaver Tree, Swamp Magnolia, Small Laurel Magnolia, Castorwood, Sweet Bay Magnolia, Small Magnolia, Sweet Magnolia, White Laurel

Growth

Height
6–20 feet (72–240 inches)
Spread
120 to 420 inches
Growth Rate
1-2 feet per year

Appearance

Bloom Color
White
Foliage Color
Dark green on top, chalky white on bottom
Fall Foliage Color
Brown-yellow

Environment

Hardiness Zones
Zones 4 to 9
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun to partial shade (prefers 6+ hours of direct sunlight; tolerates 2–6 hours)
Soil Type
Well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soil with pH between 5.5 and 7.0
Soil Drainage
Moist to boggy, with good drainage and no standing water
Soil pH
Acid to slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5)

Lifecycle

Lifecycle
Perennial
Leaf Lifecycle
Semi-deciduous
Seasons of Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Bloom Time
Spring to Summer

Reproduction

Propagation Methods
Layering and cuttings

Wildlife

Attracts Wildlife
Attracts butterflies, bees, and birds

References