Sweetbay Cultivar
Magnolia virginiana (Dodd's small leaf)
| Hardiness Zones 5-10
Sweetbay Magnolia is a common tree of moist soil areas in eastern United States where it ranges from Massachusetts to Texas. The northern plants (Magnolia virginiana var. virginiana) are deciduous and the southern (Magnolia virginiana var. australis) are larger trees and are evergreen. The 4-5 inch long leaves are white beneath and the 2-3 inch wide flowers are very fragrant. Dodd's Small Leaf, a clone of the southern variety, was one which to the amusement of the late great Tom Dodd, Jr., we did not even recognize as a Sweetbay when we first saw it exhibited by Tom Dodd Nurseries at the Atlanta trade show some years ago. It has small two inch long leaves and small flowers. Mr. Dodd shared several plants with us which are now sizeable trees at Hopelands Gardens here in Aiken, South Carolina. Supposedly there are several clones named for Alabama rivers but we belive they are much alike and do not know which one we are growing. We recall Mr. Dodd telling us that the seed parent tree, apparently a normal tree, was at Codien, Alabama and that a number of seedlings grown at the nursery turned out to be the small leaf form. Recent information shared with us suggests that we are propagating the variety 'Tensaw' as it is supposedly the only clone that can readily be rooted from cuttings.
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Grown for Success
Propagated at Woodlanders
Shipping
Expertly packed & shipped in 2-4 biz days
Plant Specs
- Zones: 5 - 10
- Sun:
- Soil:
- Height at Maturity: 20 - 30 Feet
- Spread at Maturity: 8 - 12 Feet
- Growth Rate:
Tardily Deciduous
Flower/Foliage
Care Info
Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.
Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.
We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.