Magnolia blooms make great cut flowers, and are also used in dried flower arrangements. The scent of its flowers is legendary. The large, shiny leaves are often used in living wreaths. Southern Magnolia seeds are bright red, kidney-shaped, and hang from little threads when fully mature in autumn. The Southern Magnolia is a premier landscape tree, especially in southern states, and its blossom is the state flower of both Mississippi and Louisiana. When used in the landscape it should have a lot of room to grow to its majestic size. There are however more compact cultivars like 'Little Gem' and 'Alta'.

Bark: The bark is thin, smooth, and gray, and may peel in small patches.

Foliage: Leaves are alternate, simple, and evergreen with an elliptical shape. Leaves are 5 - 10 inches long and less than half as wide. The top of the leaf is dark green, large, and shiny, having a rusty, velveteen underside.

Flowers: The Southern Magnolia is best known for its fragrant, creamy to white spring flowers that are perfect, and 8 - 12 inches in diameter. The flowers bloom from May through June.

Fruit: The fruit of the Southern Magnolia tree forms in the fall. It is reddish-brown and cone-shaped, with a length of 3 - 5 inches. The fruits ripen in September through November and the old "cone-like" structures fall from November through December.

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More Information

Tree ID Number:	391
Scientific Name:	Magnolia grandiflora
Mature Height:	60 – 80 ft
Canopy Spread (Diameter):	30 - 50 ft
Branching Shape:	Spreading branches, densely pyramidal.
Growth Rate:	Slow to medium
Wood Strength:	Softwood
Cold Hardiness Zone:	7-9
Soil Moisture Requirements:	Moist
Light Requirements:	Sun
Common Pests:	Relatively problem free, but can be bothered by nematodes, leaf spot, and weevils.
Comments:	Floral arrangements, wreaths, premier landscape tree, buffer strips around parking lots, highway median strip plantings, shade tree, and residential street tree. Needs plenty of room to develop.

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