SCIENTIFIC NAME: Magnolia virginiana 'Jim Wilson', PP12,065

COMMON NAME: Moonglow Sweetbay Magnolia

GARDEN SIZE: 15 to 35 feet tall by 10 to 20 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate to fast; cultivar is more vigorous than species

USDA ZONE: 5 to 10

EXPOSURE: Full sun to part shade

WATER & SOIL: Medium to wet soils; tolerates clay, wet sites, and air pollution; prefers acidic, moist, well-drained conditions

HABIT (FORM): Upright, vigorous, oval to vase-shaped form; semi-evergreen in colder climates

FOLIAGE: Semi-evergreen to evergreen depending on the weather; shiny green above, silvery beneath; lanceolate

FLOWERS: Sweetly fragrant, creamy white cup-shaped blooms (2–3"); 9–12 waxy petals; May–June with sporadic summer rebloom

PLANT ORIGIN: Eastern North America including Tennessee

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Host plant for local butterflies and moths (Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Spicebush Swallowtail, Promethea, and Sweetbay Silkmoths), and food source for pollinators, birds, and small mammals. Supplies shelter and nesting sites.

FERTILIZING: Maintain acidic, organic soil; may fertilize in the spring with organic compost; mulch to retain moisture

PRUNING: Minimal; prune to shape or remove damage; best after flowering

TOXICITY FLAGS: None known

USES: Specimen, Screenings