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Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora

The Southern Magnolia is known for its large, glossy leaves and big white flowers. It’s a popular tree in the southern United States!

Habitat: Southern gardens

Appearance

The Southern Magnolia is a majestic tree with large, fragrant, creamy-white flowers up to 12 inches across. Its glossy, dark green leaves have a distinctive rusty-brown, felt-like underside, making it easy to identify.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMagnolialesFamilyMagnoliaceaeGenusMagnolia

Southern Magnolia

Interesting facts

Fossil magnolias prove these trees grew when dinosaurs roamed the Earth!

Its huge flowers evolved before bees, so they are pollinated by beetles!

Magnolia flowers close at night to save their sweet perfume for daytime visitors.

The sturdy wood of this tree is surprisingly often used to make furniture!

Special abilities

Southern Magnolia has tough, leathery evergreen leaves that help it survive cold winters and resist damage.

Its enormous, sweet-smelling white flowers attract many beetles and other pollinators, ensuring the tree can reproduce.

The bright red seeds inside its cone-like fruit attract birds, who help carry and plant new magnolias.

Measurements & details

Height: 18-30 m
Canopy Spread: 9-15 m
Is Edible: No
Trunk Diameter: 60-120 cm
Lifespan: 80-150 years
Fruit Type: Aggregate of follicles
Growth Rate: Medium
Leaf Type: Evergreen

Ecological connections

pollinates

Japanese Beetle

Popillia japonica

Visits flowers, helping spread pollen.

eaten by

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

Feeds on the bright red seeds.

shelters

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Sciurus carolinensis

Often builds nests in its branches.

eats

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Browses on young leaves and shoots.

Traits

Shade Tolerant

Discover plants that love to live in the shadows, growing beautifully and happily even in spots where the sun doesn't shine all day long.

Broadleaf Tree

Discover magnificent trees that have wide, flat leaves, unlike the needles of pine trees! These are often the trees that change colors beautifully in autumn.

Evergreen

These wonderful plants keep their leaves or needles all year round, providing beautiful green scenery even in the chilliest months. They stay green forever!

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!