Southern magnolia

Appearance

"Magnolia grandiflora" is a medium to large evergreen tree which may grow 120 ft tall. It typically has a single stem and a pyramidal shape. The leaves are simple and broadly ovate, 12–20 cm long and 6–12 cm broad, with smooth margins. They are dark green, stiff and leathery, and often scurfy underneath with yellow-brown pubescence.

The large, showy, lemon citronella-scented flowers are white, up to 30 cm across and fragrant, with six to 12 petals with a waxy texture, emerging from the tips of twigs on mature trees in late spring.

Flowering is followed by the rose-coloured fruit, ovoid polyfollicle, 7.5–10 cm long, and 3–5 cm wide.

Exceptionally large trees have been reported in the far southern United States. The national champion is a specimen in Smith County, Mississippi, that stands an incredible 37 m.

Distribution

Southern magnolias are native to the Southeastern United States, from Virginia south to central Florida, and then west to East Texas.

Habitat

It is found on the edges of bodies of water and swamps, in association with sweetgum, water oak, and black tupelo. In more sheltered habitats, it grows as a large tree, but can be a low shrub when found on coastal dunes. It is killed by summer fires, and is missing from habitats that undergo regular burning.

In Florida, it is found in a number of different ecological areas that are typically shady and have well-draining soils; it is also found in hummocks, along ravines, on slopes, and in wooded floodplains. Despite preferring sites with increased moisture, it does not tolerate inundation.

Uses

It is often planted in 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.