Tree Facts

Family: Magnoliaceae
Type
Flowering
Pollinator habitat
Semi-evergreen
Size
Medium (25-50 feet)

Traits

  • Oval leaves that are 6-8 inches long, shiny green on top and gray underneath
  • Creamy white, lemon-scented flowers that are 2-3 inches wide
  • Flowers have 9-12 petals
  • Bright red, cone-like fruit that emerges in late summer
  • Smooth, gray bark

Native Range

  • Southeastern United States
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Story of the Tree

One sweetbay magnolia tree was planted in the channel along Sid Snyder Avenue Southwest on West Campus. Along with other moisture loving plants, it was planted here to help naturally filter storm water that runs off this street.

Even though this species is native to the Southeastern U.S., the tree on Capitol Campus is thriving.

The sweetbay magnolia was the first magnolia to be cultivated in England, in 1688.