Accession Count: 44
Common Name:
southern magnolia
Family Name:
Magnoliaceae
Botanical Name:
Magnolia grandiflora
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
This fast growing evergreen tree reaches heights of 60 to 90 feet with a spread of 30 to 50 feet. The thin bark is dark gray on younger trees, and turns almost black and ridged on older ones. The thick leathery leaves are alternate and simple. They are dark, glossy, green above, and slightly reddish green below. The leaves range in size, from about 5 to 10 inches long and 4 to 5 inches wide. The large, creamy white, highly fragrant flowers bloom between April and June. They are generally 6 to 12 inches in diameter. The pinkish red fruit then splits open in late summer to reveal the dark red seeds.
Compound:
Mag gra
Geographic Origin:
Southeastern United States
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The genus name Magnolia honors the French botanist and horticulturist Pierre Magnol. The species name refers to the large flowers of the tree. The southern magnolia is one of the notable features in many southern landscapes and old plantations, and is also the official state tree of Mississippi. The magnificent flower is also the state flower of Louisiana.
Cultivation Notes:
This plant does not need much upkeep because it can handle well-drained soil and low amounts of water (3). The only upkeep the plant needs is to be cut in the winter to keep its shape. Sometimes weeds or other plants will grow within the plant and will need to be removed (1). Make sure to not over water the plant because it can cause legginess, decrease in flowers and fragile growth (3). This type of plant can handle a variety of soil such as, slightly acid, dry, limestone soil, sandy, clay loam and rich soil (3).
Ethnobotany:
The hard, heavy wood of this species is used to make furniture, pallets, and veneers. This tree is highly valued in the south and planted extensively as an ornamental and shade tree. The fragrant large flowers are used quite often as corsages.
Height:
50 - 100 feet
Width:
20 - 50 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Fall
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
White
Function:
Shade
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
