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Magnolia grandiflora
L.
Southern Magnolia
Magnoliaceae
Magnolia grandiflora is a grand flowering tree in the family Magnoliaceae. It is native to the southeastern United States but is widely cultivated elsewhere. It is the state tree of Louisiana and Mississippi (FNAEC 1997).
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Description
Magnolia grandiflora is a relatively tall evergreen tree growing up to 37 m tall. Leaves are alternate and not appearing whorled, unlike related species. They are generally elliptic, about 13 to 20 cm long and 6 to 10 cm wide, with a tapering base and a shortly pointed tip. They are leathery, shiny dark green above and paler, sometimes with rust-colored hair on the surface below. The bark is gray, rough, and furrowed, and the twigs are buds are densely covered in white or red hairs. The attractive flowers, appearing in spring, are large and fragrant. They are about 15 to 30 cm long, with many large white tepals, hundreds of stamens and dozens of pistils. The central part matures into a cylindrical cluster of capsules, called follicles, that are about 7 to 10 cm tall. Seeds are 12 to 14 mm long, ellipsoidal, with a red aril (FNAEC 1997).
Within its native North America, it is easily distinguished from other species of Magnolia by its large, leathery and evergreen leaves. Sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana) has similarly leathery and evergreen leaves, but they are much smaller (as are the flowers), and the undersides are whitish (Sibley 2009).
Within its native North America, it is easily distinguished from other species of Magnolia by its large, leathery and evergreen leaves. Sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana) has similarly leathery and evergreen leaves, but they are much smaller (as are the flowers), and the undersides are whitish (Sibley 2009).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Magnolia grandiflora is very commonly grown as an ornamental. It can grow slightly farther than its native range, in USDA zones 7 to 9. It prefers moist soil and full sun to part shade (MBG). Many cultivars have been developed. The Choctaw and Koasati tribes reportedly had a few medicinal uses for the bark (FNAEC 1997). Its wood is also used for different types of furniture (Khela 2014).
Distribution
Magnolia grandiflora is native to the coastal plain habitat of the southeastern United States, in various wooded areas. Its native range is from eastern Texas to central Florida to western North Carolina. It has been cultivated elsewhere in other parts of the country and internationally (FNAEC 1997).
Status
Nymphaea odorata is listed on the IUCN Red List as "Least Concern", because it is very common throughout its relatively large range. Older trees are relatively fire-resistant, but in the past, fires limited its range to wetter areas (Khela 2014).
References
FNAEC (Flora of North America Editorial Committee), editor. 1997. Flora of North America, north of Mexico. Volume 3: Magnoliophyta: Magnoliidae and Hamamelidae. New York: Oxford University Press.
Khela, S. 2014. Magnolia grandiflora. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2014. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-1.RLTS.T193948A2291865.en.
MBG (Missouri Botanical Garden), Magnolia grandiflora. Plant Finder. [accessed 2020 Jul 28]. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c117
Sibley, D. A. 2009. The Sibley Guide to Trees. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
Khela, S. 2014. Magnolia grandiflora. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2014. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-1.RLTS.T193948A2291865.en.
MBG (Missouri Botanical Garden), Magnolia grandiflora. Plant Finder. [accessed 2020 Jul 28]. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c117
Sibley, D. A. 2009. The Sibley Guide to Trees. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
Description
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