Magnolia virginiana
Named for its aromatic twigs and foliage, sweetbay magnolia is an attractive, showy tree. Its combination of white flowers, green leaves, and red seeds make it a popular choice in ornamental gardens alike. Interestingly, the flowers blossom in the morning and close that night. It does this to promote the pollination of beetles and flies which become trapped in the flowers, ensuring ample contact with its pollen. After 2 or 3 days, the flowers open once more, releasing the insects which then visit other sweetbay magnolias. It shares this trait with its counterpart, the southern magnolia.
Family: Magnoliaceae
Foliage: Evergreen, though it becomes semi-evergreen or even deciduous further north
Mature height range: Upwards to 100 ft., though size varies
Light exposure: Full sun, Partial Shade
Soil preference: Moist, well-drained, rich, and acidic soils
Tolerance: Tolerates wetter sites better than other magnolias; has no serious insect or disease issues
Wildlife: Seeds are consumed by birds and mammals; larval host plant for the sweetbay silkmoth (Callosamia securifera); pollinated primarily by beetles and flies
