Southern Magnolia

(Magnolia grandiflora)

Interesting Information About Plant:

     The Southern Magnolia is one of the most prominent and distinguishable trees of the Southeastern United States.  It is a native species of North America and its territory spreads from the Carolina shorelines all the way to Texas, and from Florida north to as far as southern Ohio.  It gets its name “grandiflora” from the Latin term meaning “grand flower” for the large and spectacular white flower it produces in the spring time.  It is mainly used as a cultivating tree along city streets and other landscaping zones.  It is also used as a framing tree and a shade tree in some instances.  The tree’s wood can also be turned into veneer for plywood and wooden crates to transport vegetables.  It can be cultivated by cultivars that are grafted onto seedlings of the species or started from cuttings. The leaves of the tree have been used in tea in order to help stop nicotine addictions even though the tea is said to have a very bitter and unappealing taste to it. 

Scientific Name: Magnolia grandiflora

Family Name (Scientific and Common): Magnoliaceae 

Continent of Origin: North America

Plant Growth Habit? Large Tree

Height at Maturity? More than 10 Feet

Life Span? Perennial

Seasonal Habit? Deciduous Perennial

Growth Habitat? Partial Sun  

Manner of Culture? Native Species 

Thorns on Younger Stem? No

Cross Section of Younger Stem? Roundish   

Stem (or Trunk) Diameter? More Than The Diameter of a Coffee-Mug 

Produces Brownish Bark? Yes  

Bark Peeling in Many Areas? Yes

Characteristics of Mature (Brownish) Bark? Smooth Bark   

Type of Leaf? Thick, Fleshy Leaf

Length of Leaf (or Leaflet)? Longer Than A Writing Pen

Leaf Complexity? Simple 

Shape of Leaf? Simple 

Edge of Leaf? Smooth 

Leaf Arrangement? Alternate 

Leaf has Petiole? No

Patterns of Main-Veins? Pinnate  

Leaf Hairiness? Somewhat Hairy  

Color of Foliage in Summer? Green 

Change in Color of Foliage in October? No Change   

Flowering Season? Spring  

Flowers? Single 

Type of Flower? Colorful Flower

Color of Flower? White 

Shape of Individual Flower? Radially Symmetrical 

Size of Individual Flower? Larger than the Length of a Credit Card

Sexuality? Male and Female on Same Plant………….

Size of Fruit? Between a Quarter and the Length of a Credit Card 

Fruit Fleshiness? Fleshy   ………………….

Shape of Fruit? Spherical    

Color of Fruit at Maturity? Red    

Fruit Desirable to Birds or Squirrels? No   

Common Name(s): Southern Magnolia, Bull Bay

Louisville Plants That Are Most Easily Confused With This One? None…….

Unique Morphological Features of Plant? Stays green all year.  Bottom of leaves have a rust color.  Produce large, beautiful white flowers in the spring.

Poisonous? None of Plant

Pesty Plant (weedy, hard to control)? No

Page prepared by:

Colin Neuman

November 2004