Sweetbay Magnolia

Magnolia virginiana L., most commonly sweetbay, is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 100 ft. tall. It is native to the lowlands and swamps of the Atlantic coastal plain of the eastern US. The bark is smooth and gray, with the inner bark having a mild spice scent. The flowers are a creamy white, with an almost vanilla scent. It is often grown as an ornamental tree in gardens.