Sweetbay Magnolia is one of our favorite trees regardless but make it a 'Green Shadow' and there's no competition. 'Green Shadow' is a selection of our beloved Sweetbay that keeps its leaves through winter more reliably than any other - it can be evergreen even in -15F temperatures! It also features smaller leaves and a dense, pleasing habit. And of course, it delights all summer long with its trademark white flowers that smell like lemon and look like a dream.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade; average to wet soil
Size: 35'-40' tall, 20' spread
Zone: 5 - 10
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract small bees, tumbling flower beetles, solider beetles and other pollinators; larval host for Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Photos: Samantha Nestory, David Korbonits