Trees

Magnolia virginiana var. australis 'Green Shadow'

Green Shadow sweetbay magnolia

Also known as: Greenbay

Green Shadow sweetbay magnolia foliage detail. Photo: John Grimshaw / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0

Green Shadow forms a close, oval canopy with glossy foliage and fragrant white summer flowers. Selected by Don Shadow from southern sweetbay material, it is grown for persistent foliage and adaptability to moist sites. Its relatively narrow, upright character gives a more tree-like effect than a loose, shrubby sweetbay.

At a glance

Sun: Sun to shade
Size: Height: 25 ft · Width: 20 ft
Water: Consistently moist to wet soil
Hardiness: USDA 4
Bloom: Fragrant white, summer

Sizes & prices

#15Don Shadow's evergreen SweetbayCall for price

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

Ask about this plant

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Ornamental flowering specimen
Form: Tight oval canopy
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.
Growth rate: Species guidance: rapid; cultivar and growing conditions may differ.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Parent-species guidance: 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: Wet-site tolerant.

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

Pollinators & wildlife

Caterpillar host: Swallowtail
Evidence: Species-level guidance; cultivar habitat value varies.

Keep in mind: Evergreen performance depends on winter conditions.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Broadleaf Evergreen; Semi-evergreen

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

Pleasant Run Nursery

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Royal Horticultural Society

The Morton Arboretum

Photo: John Grimshaw / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0; resized for web without enlargement. · CC BY-SA 4.0

Image notes: Green Shadow sweetbay magnolia foliage detail. Photo: John Grimshaw / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0; resized for web without enlargement.

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