Magnolia virginiana

Sweetbay Magnolia

Zone 5–9. Leaves are dark green, lustrous above and glaucous beneath, deciduous; 15–20' H x 15–20' W in northern climates and up to 60' tall in southern climates; 2–3", creamy white, lemon scented flowers in May–June, very fragrant; produces 2" long, dark red seed pods comprised of bright red, showy seeds; multi-stemmed, upright, spreading habit; unlike most magnolias, prefers moist to wet soils on the acid side; fragrance of Sweetbay is justification alone to find a spot in the landscape.