Magnolia virginiana aka Sweetbay Magnolia

Magnolia virginiana, commonly known as sweetbay magnolia or simply sweetbay, belongs to the magnolia family, Magnoliaceae. It is the first magnolia species to be scientifically described under modern botanical nomenclature and serves as the type species of the genus Magnolia, which in turn represents all flowering plants. Sweetbay magnolia can be either evergreen or deciduous depending on its USDA Zone location. This type species is a prime example for species within the Magnolia genus, and other species were added to the genus due to their genetic similarity to sweetbay. The tree is native to the coastal areas of southeastern United States, growing as a 15-20' tall tree with a spreading, open rounded crown or a shorter, suckering, open, multi-stemmed shrub in the northern part of its cultivated growing range. It has smooth bark, a narrow, rounded crown, and shallow roots. Sweetbay blooms sporadically over the tree during summer months and is often planted in parks.