Sweetbay Magnolia (Bareroot)

Sweetbay magnolia is a native small tree or large shrub valued for its fragrant blooms, refined foliage, and ability to bring structure and seasonal interest to moisture-influenced landscapes. Offered as bareroot stock for late fall and early spring dormant planting, it can be a cost-effective option for larger plantings when planted correctly and given consistent watering during establishment.

Botanically known as Magnolia virginiana, sweetbay magnolia produces creamy white, lemon-scented flowers in late spring, followed by cone-like fruits with bright red seeds. Its glossy green leaves have silvery undersides that add visual contrast. Native across the Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest, it offers both ornamental and ecological value.

Sweetbay magnolia typically grows 10–35 ft tall with a similar spread, developing as either a small tree or multi-stemmed form. It grows in full sun to part sun and establishes in sandy, loamy, and organic soils, from well-drained to poorly drained conditions and in sites with average moisture to wet conditions when planted into a well-prepared site.

Sweetbay magnolia is well suited to rain gardens, pond edges, riparian plantings, hedgerows, woodland plantings, and naturalized landscapes. It serves as a larval host for spicebush swallowtail and eastern tiger swallowtail, while its seeds feed birds and small mammals and its dense form provides cover. Bareroot stock is offered for late fall and early spring dormant planting.