Sweetbay Magnolia - Magnolia virginiana Magnolia Family (Magnoliaceae)

The leaves are shiny, and dark green on the upper surface, and the undersides are pubescent and silvery. The flowers are solitary, and fragrant, measuring 2 to 3 inches in diameter, with creamy white blooms that have 9 to 12 petals.1

The flowers will open in the morning and close during the night for up to 2 to 3 days. After flowering, cone-like fruits of aggregate follicles appear and contain bright red seeds.1

The simple, alternate leaves are 5″ long and oblong in shape. The leaves are medium to dark green above and silvery underneath. The flowers are lemon scented!2

References:
  1. Magnolia virginiana. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/magnoliavirginiana/. No Publication Date. Accessed January 22, 2024. Sweetbay magnolia. The Morton Arboretum.
  2. https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/sweetbay-magnolia/#more-information. No Publication Date. Accessed January 22, 2024.
  3. https://www.lsuagcenter.com/~/media/system/3/2/e/9/32e91c20d4959f333366833ca6ca6532/sweetbay%20magnolia%20flowerjpg.jpg?h=1432&la=en&w=2170
  4. https://www.lsuagcenter.com/~/media/system/8/c/6/7/8c67d28aee17ddb3e13c4b584fcf7a06/evergreensweetbaymagnolia.jpg?h=867&la=en&w=650
  5. https://mortonarb.org/app/uploads/2020/12/55025_ca_object_representations_media_12783_large-0x1120-cdefault.jpg