Magnolia virginiana

image source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Sweetbay_Magnolia_Magnolia_virginiana_Leaf_2000px.jpg

image source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/92/Sweetbay_Magnolia_Magnolia_virginiana_Comparison_4400px.jpg

image source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/58/Sweetbay_Magnolia_Magnolia_virginiana_Trunk_Base_3000px.jpg

image source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/19/Sweetbay_Magnolia_Magnolia_virginiana_Berries_1800px.jpg

NAMING

Scientific Name: Magnolia virginiana
Family: Magnoliaceae
Common: sweetbay

HABITAT

Native
Habitat: Moist swamps, low-ground areas
Range: NY -> FL -> TX, Coastal Plain to Piedmont

TREE TRUNK

Size: Up to 80ft tall (in FL) but can get up to 120ft
Bark: Smooth, thin
Twigs: Stipular scars encircle the twig

LEAVES

Leaf arrangement: alternate
Leaf type: simple
Leaf margin: entire
Leaf shape: elliptic
Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches long
Leaf venation: pinnate
Leaf color: dark green above, glaucous below
Leaf persistence: deciduous

REPRODUCTION

Flowers: showy white/cream
Fruit: cone-like, shiny red seeds (honeycomb shape)

USES

Commercial – low-quality pulp wood, used as an ornamental

TOLERANCES

Fire – No
Drought – Low
Flood – Mod