Southern Magnolia

(Magnolia grandiflora)

Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Magnolia grandiflora image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Magnolia grandiflora, commonly known as Southern Magnolia, is an evergreen tree native to the evergreen lowland subtropical forests on the Gulf and south Atlantic coastal plain in the Southeastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 120 ft (37 m) and has a pyramidal shape with a single stem or trunk. The leaves are dark green, stiff, leathery, and often scurfy underneath with yellow-brown pubescence. The large, showy, lemon citronella-scented flowers are white, with six to 12 petals with a waxy texture, and they emerge from the tips of twigs on mature trees in late spring.

Southern Magnolia is widely cultivated in warmer areas around the world. It is often planted on university campuses and allowed to grow into a large tree, either with dependent branches or with the lower branches removed to display the bare trunks. It is also espaliered against walls, which improves its frost-hardiness. It is recommended for seashore plantings in areas that are windy but have little salt spray. In climates where the ground freezes, winter sun appears to do more damage than the cold. In the Northern Hemisphere, the south side of the tree will experience more leaf damage than the north side. In cultivation, it generally does best in full sun or part shade, with high amounts of water, and in soils with medium or slow drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Trees
  • Height: 60-80 feet
  • Width: 30-50 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

The edges of bodies of water and swamps

Other Names

Common Names: Bull Bay , Evergreen Magnolia , Loblolly Magnolia , Great Laurel Magnolia , Big Laurel , Laurier Tulipier , Kungsmagnolia , Taisan-Boku

Scientific Names: Magnolia grandiflora , Magnolia lacunosa , Magnolia tomentosa , Magnolia longifolia , Magnolia angustifolia , Magnolia elliptica , Magnolia foetida , Magnolia lanceolata , Magnolia microphylla , Magnolia rotundifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Magnolia grandiflora L.