Sweetbay
Magnolia virginiana
- Native to:
- Cuba, United States
Photo (c)2006 Derek Ramsey ( Ram-Man (en.wikipedia.org) )
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Magnoliaceae
- Genus:
- Magnolia
- Species:
- Magnolia virginiana
- USDA Symbol:
- MAVI2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Reported Fauna Sightings
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers wetland areas and swampy regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 90–120 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–180 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cleaning from fleshy aril before stratification. Germination can be erratic and extended over several months.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: Propagated in National Capital Parks-East, Washington, D.C., Oxon Run Parkway. Grows primarily on the Coastal Plain, in wet woods and on edges of swamps. Distribution: Florida to Texas, north to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Long Island, and eastern Massachusetts.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. Expose to fluctuation outdoor winter temperatures including freezing for 3 months. Gradually increase light and temperature in the spring. * remove pulpy coat with detergent washes; germination unlikely if dried by just 20%, store seeds @ 4°C