Family: Magnoliaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 535 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Magnolia
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. U.S.A. to Texas, Cuba
Description
The Swamp-laurel, scientifically named Magnolia virginiana, is a remarkable plant native to the eastern United States, extending to Texas, and even found in Cuba. First described in 1753 in the famous botanical work “Species Plantarum” authored by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, Magnolia virginiana has captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike for centuries.
Belonging to the Magnoliaceae family, this plant exhibits stunning floral displays that contribute to its appeal. The Swamp-laurel thrives in wetland habitats, typically in swamps and along streambanks. Its natural affinity for damp and swampy environments ensures it plays a crucial role in these ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity, and providing a habitat for various wildlife species.
This hardy plant is notable for its elegant flowers, which bloom in spring and early summer, releasing a sweet, lemony fragrance that attracts a variety of pollinators. The flowers are creamy white and showcase a classic magnolia form, with petal-like tepals surrounding a central cluster of reproductive parts. Following the flowering period, cone-like fruit clusters emerge, adding further interest to the plant’s appearance.
Magnolia virginiana is characterized by its semi-evergreen foliage, which varies from glossy dark green on the upper surface to a silvery-blue underside. This dual-tone leaf appearance is not only visually striking but also adaptive, helping the plant manage water loss efficiently in its humid habitat.
Cultivation of Magnolia virginiana extends beyond its natural habitat due to its ornamental value. Landscapers and gardeners often seek this plant to enhance the aesthetics of water gardens and even coastal plantings.
In summary, Magnolia virginiana, or Swamp-laurel, is a plant of significant ecological and ornamental value. Its presence, stretching across regions of the United States and into Cuba, underscores its adaptability and the word-class recognition it has enjoyed since its first description in 1753. Throughout its range, it continues to be cherished for its beauty and the crucial roles it plays in wetland ecosystems.
Common Names
Eng: laurel magnolia, laurier doux, swamp bay, swamp-bay, swamp-laurel, sweet bay, sweet magnolia, sweetbay, swamp laurel, white bay
Fra: laurier doux
Swe: virginiamagnolia
En: Swamp-laurel, Sweet bay, Laurel magnolia, Sweet magnolia, Swamp bay, Sweetbay, Sweetbay Magnolia, Sweet-Bay, Swamp Laurel, White Bay, Laurier doux, Swamp-bay
Ar: ماغنوليا فرجينية
Az: Virciniya maqnoliyası
Cs: Šácholan viržinský
Fr: Laurier doux
De: Sumpf-Magnolie
Hu: Illatos liliomfa
Kv: Виргинияись магнолия
Fa: مگنولیا ویرجینیایی
Ru: Магнолия виргинская
Sv: Virginiamagnolia
Synonyms
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jun 19, 2021 by JÜRGEN Sterk (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 29, 2022 by Kilhiann Bagur (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2021 by Samuel Chauveau Gabard (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 16, 2019 by Guillermo Redondo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 23, 2019 by Kerstin Kerstin (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Nov 29, 2022 by Kilhiann Bagur (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 19, 2022 by Robert Maes (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 17, 2019 by arroyo Adriana (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2022 by Maria Jesus Arrojo Vázquez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 23, 2019 by Kerstin Kerstin (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Jul 31, 2021 by farah sanni (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Fiachra Dubh (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 17, 2019 by Victorio Giner jose Miguel (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 9, 2019 by Guillaume Beal (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Dec 20, 2020 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 9, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 12, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 29, 2022 by Kilhiann Bagur (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Nov 9, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Dave Flack (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 29, 2022 by Kilhiann Bagur (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 20, 2021 by christiane Vetsuypens (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 27, 2022 by Dave Flack (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Dave Flack (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 1, 2019 by Laurie glorynews (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Callum Yeomans (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 29, 2020 by Lisa J (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3153639)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30016308-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Magnolia virginiana L.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Stem
Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 6.9
Ph minimum: 5.0