The Sweetbay Magnolia has long, elliptical leaves that are glossy green at the top and silvery green on the underside, which are aromatic when crushed. Its bark is smooth and grayish-brown. It can be single or multi-stemmed with an upright branching structure, allowing for a well-formed, rounded canopy. It is renowned for its fragrant, creamy white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The tree produces elongated, cone-like fruits that contain seeds, which ripen in late summer and fall. In the spring, its large, creamy white flowers bloom and give off a citrusy vanilla scent. In the summer, the leaves remain lush and vibrant, while the flowers begin to fade, producing elongated, cone-like fruits. During the fall, the foliage turns yellow and gradually turns brown. It can be semi-evergreen with most leaves remaining in the winter. Cultivated as a focal point and specimen tree, its shrub-like growth is an effective screening tree and a natural barrier.