Sweetbay Tree?

[PipGirl]

Hi. In my quest to ID our garden, I think I've found the correct name for a tree in front of our home. I've been doing a lot of reading and found the magnolia Virginiana Sweetbay tree. Here is a pic taken today. And the garden pic from book, "Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants" by Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Can anyone verify with these photos?

 

[Silver surfer]

It does look like Magnolia virginiana...
Are the leaves, flowers and twigs scented?

Here are some trustworthy sites with accurate descriptions....

http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=334

http://www.discoverlife.org/nh/tx/Plantae/Dicotyledoneae/Magnoliaceae/Magnolia/virginiana/

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MAVI2

 

[PipGirl]

Thanks Silver Surfer. I'll check on fragrance. I am surprised that any type of magnolia can grow, never mind thrive, in freezing Massachusetts! This is def a learning experience.

 

[Beth_B]

I was very surprised when I moved to Michigan that magnolia trees could grow here! I always thought they were a strictly warm-weather tree.
No expert on trees but that looks like the magnolia trees I've seen here. I worked on a house that had a huge one, maybe 40 feet tall and covered with big fragrant blooms in summer.

 

[Pat]

My zone is warmer than Michigan in fact they call Maryland south but we get cold and freeze often. We have very large Magnolia trees, the aroma is so heavenly, I love when they are in bloom. The blooms are so pretty also, sometimes I find myself just looking at the trees when I am on my walks.

 

[PipGirl]

The flowers are very fragrant. It has these pods which fall off of it too I moved them to grass as they are difficult to see on mulch.

Thx Beth and Pat I find myself examining things botanical too. What a lovely world it can be!

 

[claudine]

Thanks Silver Surfer. I'll check on fragrance. I am surprised that any type of magnolia can grow, never mind thrive, in freezing Massachusetts! This is def a learning experience.

I believe magnolias can grow anywhere They grow in Poland, even though winters can be harsh here. My neighbor has a beautiful, giant magnolia tree. I love it

 

[PipGirl]

Claudine, thx, who knew Magnolia had so many varieties and were hardy enough!