Sweetbay Magnolia
Magnolia virginiana
Magnoliaceae · broadleaf evergreen tree · native
Last updated
This profile synthesizes data from multiple published sources. Expert field review is in progress.
Magnolia virginiana (Magnoliaceae) is a deciduous to semi-evergreen tree native to the eastern United States from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Texas. It reaches up to 60 feet tall and 19 feet wide. The creamy white, lemon-scented flowers (5 to 8 cm wide) have a water-lily shape and appear in late spring to early summer. Dark, cucumber-like fruit pods split to reveal red seeds.
Sweetbay magnolia is one of the few magnolias that tolerates wet and even boggy soils. It prefers sun to part shade on acidic substrates (pH 5.0 to 6.9) with high moisture. In the northern part of its range it may be fully deciduous; further south it tends to be semi-evergreen to evergreen. The cultivar 'Jim Wilson' is a popular selection. It blooms on old wood. Documented diseases include bacterial blight, leaf spot, powdery mildew, root and cutting rots, and verticillium wilt; magnolia scale is also documented. Hardy in Zones 5a to 8b.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 23, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1434.4 to 1592.7 GDD₃₂. Sweetbay Magnolia typically reaches 'first bloom' at 1932 GDD₃₂, predicted around May 12.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 23, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,593 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 339 |
| Seattle / UW | 1,554 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 378 |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,537 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 395 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,505 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 428 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,483 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 449 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,472 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 460 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,434 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 498 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ○ 'First bloom' BBCH '61' NEXT | 1932 | '' est. May 12 (avg) |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? Hover over GDD values for source details. Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 23, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 10, 2026, then climate normals.