Sweetbay Magnolia

Honeybees visit the large, fragrant white flowers primarily for abundant pollen, with minimal nectar rewards available during the brief flowering period of each bloom. Peak bloom occurs in late spring to early summer, providing a reliable protein source when many other trees are not yet flowering. The semi-evergreen foliage and tolerance for moist to wet soils make it suitable for wetland edges, though it may need staking in windy sites to prevent breakage.