Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), also known as Swamp Magnolia, was prized by early settlers and sent back to Europe as early as 1688. Its mild lemony-scented flowers bloom continuously from spring through summer. Its seeds ripen in mid-autumn and are eaten and spread by songbirds, wild turkey, quail, and mammals such as gray squirrels and white-footed mice. High in fat, the seeds are a good energy source for migratory birds, including eastern Kingbirds, Towhees, Mockingbirds, Northern Flickers, Robins, Wood Thrushes, Blue-jays, and Red-eyed Vireos. Pollinators, especially beetles, are attracted to its pollen, which is high in protein. It also attracts Tiger Swallowtail, Palamedes Swallowtail, and Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies.