SCIENTIFIC NAME: Magnolia virginiana var australis 'Green Shadow'

COMMON NAME: Green Shadow Sweetbay Magnolia

GARDEN SIZE: 25 to 35 feet tall by 12 to 18 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 5 to 10

EXPOSURE: Full sun to full shade; thrives in a wide light range

WATER & SOIL: Moist to wet, well-drained soils; tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils (amended for moisture retention); acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.0); drought-tolerant once established

HABIT (FORM): Upright, tight oval form; maintains a strong central leader; can be grown full to the ground or trained as a low-branched tree

FOLIAGE: Semi-evergreen to evergreen; large glossy dark green leaves with silvery undersides

FLOWERS: Abundant lemon-scented white flowers (2–3"); single, cup-shaped; bloom continuously from late spring through late summer

PLANT ORIGIN: Southeastern United States including southern Tennessee

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Host plant for local butterflies and moths, and food source for pollinators, birds, and small mammals. Supplies shelter and nesting sites.

FERTILIZING: Light feeding in spring with acidic or balanced fertilizer; maintain mulch to support moisture retention and soil acidity

PRUNING: Not required; prune only as needed to clean up dead branches; lower branches may be removed to form a standard

TOXICITY FLAGS: None known

USES: Specimen, Screenings