Trees

Magnolia virginiana 'Jim Wilson'

Moonglow sweetbay magnolia

Also known as: Moonglow

Moonglow sweetbay magnolia foliage detail. Photo: Photo by David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Moonglow is a vigorous sweetbay selection sold botanically as Jim Wilson. Fragrant white flowers appear in summer above a graceful leafy canopy. Its tolerance of moist sites and semi-evergreen foliage make it useful where a flowering tree is wanted for more than a brief spring display, with winter retention varying by climate.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Size: Height: 30 ft · Width: 20 ft
Water: Consistently moist to wet soil
Hardiness: USDA zone 4 minimum
Bloom: Fragrant white, summer

Sizes & prices

#15$249.99

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 flowering specimen
Growth rate: Rapid
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.
Form: Upright oval to rounded crown.

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.

Native range

Native range / parentage: Cultivar/selection of a species native to eastern United States to Cuba.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: 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: Photo by David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; resized for web without enlargement. · CC BY-SA 4.0

Image notes: Moonglow sweetbay magnolia foliage detail. Photo: Photo by David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; resized for web without enlargement.

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