NAME:
COMMON – Southern Magnolia
BOTANICAL – Magnolia grandiflora
FAMILY – Magnoliaceae

DERIVATION:
Native to the Deep South

GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS:
Evergreen, 60’– 90’ tall, 20’ – 40’ wide. Growth rate of 12”-24” per year. The root system is shallow and hearty, spreading in a wide circumference around the planting site. Lifespan is 80 – 120 years.

GROWTH LOCATION:
Southern Magnolias are native to the bottomlands and moist wooded areas of the central and southeastern coastal plains from North Carolina to Florida to Texas. Prefers morning sun and afternoon shade.

ATTRIBUTES, VALUE, UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS:
Known for its large white fragrant flowers. Blooms from June to August. Drops their leaves year–round. Flowers give way to spherical cone-like fruiting clusters 3”-5” long. Experts believe that the oldest magnolia fossils are about one hundred million years old, making it one of the oldest flowering plants. Magnolias have been used for medicinal purposes that include steroids and anti-anxiety drugs. The wood is used for veneer and furniture parts.

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