A massive evergreen native tree with huge waxy white fragrant flowers in spring. State tree of Mississippi and Louisiana; iconic southern landscape tree.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Magnolia grandiflora, commonly known as the southern magnolia or bull bay, is a tree of the family Magnoliaceae native to the Southeastern United States, from Virginia to central Florida, and west to East Texas. Reaching 27.5 m (90 ft) in height, it is a large, striking evergreen tree, with large, dark-green leaves up to 20 cm long and 12 cm wide, and large, white, fragrant flowers up to 30 cm (12 in) in diameter.
Source: Wikipedia — Magnolia grandiflora Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Medium tree with large evergreen leathery leaves; massive creamy-white fragrant flowers; brilliant red fruit clusters.
Similar species. Sweetbay Magnolia (deciduous; smaller leaves).
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. N/A — photosynthesis
Behavior. Iconic native tree of southeastern US. Among the most ancient flowering plant lineages; magnolias evolved before bees, so flowers are pollinated by beetles.
§ Range
Southeastern US
§ Habitat
Mature deciduous forests, suburban yards
§ Threats
Forest loss, urban planting stress, replacement with non-native magnolias.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the southern magnolia is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Plant native southern magnolia where space allows (they get huge). Support southern hardwood forests.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Magnolia grandiflora
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Magnolia grandiflora
- iNaturalist · taxon 52853
- IUCN Red List — search for Magnolia grandiflora
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Magnolia grandiflora
§ Sources cited
- USDA Forest Service Silvics Manual
