Green Shadow sweetbay magnolia

The “Green Shadow” sweetbay magnolia is native to New York but is considered endangered in the state. Its inner bark is mildly scented like bay laurels, which led to its name. Evergreen in warm climates and fast growing, it is often planted ornamentally for its large, white, vanilla-fragranced flowers, which can be smelled from yards away. The plant has curative properties as well; Houma people, for example, use the leaves and twigs to make a decoction to treat colds.