Plant · GBIF taxon 3153639
sweetbay magnolia
Magnolia virginianaAlso known as Sweetbay, Swamp Magnolia, Laurel Magnolia
Sweetbay magnolia is a wetland tree with glossy green leaves that flash silvery white beneath and creamy cup-shaped flowers with a lemony fragrance. Cone-like structures later split to reveal red-coated seeds used by birds.
Wetland TreeFragrant FlowerSilver-backed Leaf
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Photosynthesizes in bright wetland openings while shallow roots obtain moisture and scarce minerals from acidic saturated soil
Predators
- White-tailed deer
- Magnolia scale insects
- Leaf-feeding caterpillars
ThreatsWetland drainage, saltwater intrusion, shoreline development, severe storms, drought, and altered fire patterns
HabitatsCoastal plain swamps, pocosins, bog margins, wet pine savanna, streambanks, and moist woodland
Life spanOften lives for 80 years or more when wetland hydrology remains intact
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyMagnoliaceae
- SpeciesMagnolia virginiana
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Wild plants have dangerous look-alikes; do not eat or ingest seeds or other material based on app identification.
Responsible observation
- Leaves: Do not pull branches; wait for wind to reveal the silvery leaf undersides.
- Flowers: Look for creamy many-tepaled cups and notice fragrance without picking them.
- Wetland: Remain on boardwalks or firm routes to protect saturated roots and soil.
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