Sweetbay is a small to medium magnolia with fragrant, creamy white flowers in summer and leaves that are silvery underneath. In the South it may retain leaves; in Maryland it is often deciduous.
Habitat and range
In Maryland, sweetbay grows in swamps, wet woods, and along streams on the coastal plain. It tolerates saturated soils and is often found with red maple, blackgum, and Atlantic white cedar.
Uses and significance
The wood is used for veneer and lightweight construction. Sweetbay is planted as an ornamental for its flowers and fragrance. It provides habitat in wetland forests and supports pollinators.