Sweetbay Magnolia leaf detail. These early spring images show the white furry leaf undersides.
We ordered this 15 gallon mail-order tree from Nearly Native Nursery in Georgia, and planted it in April 2014. Unlike our other magnolias, this one has thrived in the clay soil, growing considerably and rarely showing any issues. Unlike the other magnolias, the roots seem to be woody rather than weak and fleshy. The tree is semi-evergreen, not completely losing its leaves during winter. Every spring there are nice lemony scented flowers.
Like the Southern Magnolia, the flowers develop into pods with bright red seeds. Below is a picture from July 30th 2016.