Sweetbay magnolia is a graceful southern, evergreen to semi-evergreen, wide columnar tree, ideal for use as a patio tree or specimen. The flowers tend to be slightly smaller, but are absolutely beautiful with a profound lemony fragrance. The foliage of a sweetbay magnolia is less glossy in color when compared to other magnolias, but the underside is a silvery-gray in color making it appear to shimmer in the breeze. These trees are very adaptable but prefer full sun or part-shade and medium to wet soil. This tree grows at a medium to fast rate, reaching a maturity height of 40 to 50 feet and a 15-25 foot spread. It is suitable for USDA Zones 5-10 but note the species is deciduous in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 7 (and evergreen further south).
Wide columnar tree
White, small saucer flower
Profound lemony fragrance
Use as a patio tree or specimen