Sweet Bay Magnolia

 The Sweet Bay Magnolia tree is the perfect option for a luxurious and full-spread tree. It grows in a vase-like shape and can reach a height of up to 20 feet tall with a maximum spread between 10 and 20 feet. You can expect this tree to grow at a rate of anywhere between 13 and 24 inches each year. This impressive tree contains deep green colored leaves with a frosted-like appearance that grow up to three to five inches long. When illuminated by the sun's rays, these leaves will emit a lovely glisten.

Sweet Bay Magnolia Is Highly Fragrant

This unique tree comes to life in the late spring to early summer when its creamy white flowers bloom. These distinctive blooms will grow between two and three inches and let off a light lemon-like scent. Their elegant cup shape provides a uniform and striking look, with 9 to 12 petals each.

Even better, in the late summer, this tree will bloom bright scarlet red seeded fruits that can grow up to two inches long. While these fruits are not edible for humans, they make a nice meal for various wildlife. These include blue jays, towhees, vireos, quail, turkey, and gray squirrels. This tree will provide a lovely connection with the wildlife outdoors in the late fall for your viewing pleasure.

Known as the M. Virginiana Var. Australis, swap magnolia, or laurel magnolia, this beautiful tree is native to moist woodlands ranging from Massachusetts to Florida and Arkansas to Texas. The Sweet Bay Magnolia features a smooth-feeling bark that starts out green and ages into a prominent silvery gray. Its lemon scent makes this tree the perfect addition to gardens and patios, where you can easily enjoy its natural scent consistently.