Magnolia virginiana 'Green Shadow' (sweetbay magnolia)

Maryland DNR Recommended Tree and Deer-Resistant

This sweetbay magnolia cultivar was selected for its long bloom period and extended leaf retention. Like the straight species, this magnolia is semi-evergreen and produces beautifully fragrant white flowers in May and June. It tolerates wet sites as well as clay soils. It will grow about 35 feet tall with only a 15 foot spread. 

Sweetbay ranges from Masschusetts south to Florida and west to Texas. In Maryland, it occurs mainly on the coastal plain, usually near water in wet woods or the edges of swamps. The thinly fleshy red coat on the seeds attracts some fruit-eating birds, which swallow the seeds, digest the red coating, and disperse the seeds in their droppings. Foliage is used by several birds for nest-building. Host plant for the eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly and for various species of moths.

Adkins Arboretum's 2026 Native Tree of the Year!

Photo by Mark Weathington JC Raulston Arboretum

BONAP Native Range Map (bright green indicates county native, dark green indicates state native)