Trees

Magnolia virginiana var. australis

Southern sweetbay magnolia

Magnolia virginiana var. australis in bloom; licensed exact-variety photograph, not current inventory.

Southern sweetbay is the southern form of sweetbay magnolia, generally developing a more tree-like habit and retaining foliage more persistently than northern forms. Fragrant white flowers and silvery leaf undersides give it ornamental value. Final size and winter leaf retention vary with climate, so judge it by local mature specimens.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Size: Height: About 30 ft in the Kentucky landscape guide; 15–60 ft across the broader published range. · Width: About 20 ft in the Kentucky landscape guide; broader references allow 15–60 ft with age and climate.
Water: Consistently moist to wet soil
Hardiness: USDA zones 5–10; choose a protected position in zone 5.
Bloom: Fragrant white; late spring, with occasional summer blooms

Sizes & prices

#15Sweet Bay Magnolia EvergreenCall for price

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Ornamental specimen
Growth rate: Rapid
Form: Columnar; Conical; Multi-stemmed; Open; Pyramidal; Rounded; Spreading; Vase
Fruit / litter: Cone-like fruits open to show red seeds; fruit and seasonal leaves fall.
Major issues: Chlorosis in alkaline soil; occasional scale and leaf spots.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Some browsing resistance; not deer-proof. Protect young plants.
Drought: Generally drought sensitive; irrigate dry spells even though established plants show some adaptability.
Wet soil: Tolerates consistently wet and swampy soils.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Caterpillar host: Swallowtail

Native range

Native range / parentage: Species native to eastern United States to Cuba.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: More persistently evergreen southern form

Growing & care

Site: Prefers acidic soil; unlike many magnolias, tolerates wet ground.
Pruning: Usually needs little pruning. For deciduous trees, make necessary shaping cuts in summer; avoid major winter or early-spring cuts.
Soil: Consistently moist to wet, acidic, organic-rich soil; alkaline soil may cause chlorosis.

Sources & photo credits

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Kew Science, Plants of the World Online

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Royal Horticultural Society

The Morton Arboretum

Missouri Botanical Garden

yewdellgardens.org

nursery-crop-extension.mgcafe.uky.edu

Photo: Plant Image Library · CC BY-SA 2.0

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.