(Magnolia grandiflora )
The Magnolia Family (Magnoliaceae)
Tall tree with alternate, large, dark green, shiny, evergreen leaves and smooth to scaly gray bark.
Habitat:
Moist to well-drained soils in coastal uplands as well as lowland and coastal woods.
Interesting Facts:
In the wild, it is one of the two climax species of a Beech/Magnolia forest. Its blossom is Louisiana’s state flower and produces an essential oil used in making fragrances. The bark has been used as a stimulant and as a wash for treating sores and edema.
Fruit:
Cylindrical, cone-like pod, 3 to 5” long with bright .5” red seeds, maturing in fall.
Flower:
6 - 8” wide, very fragrant with large white petals, occurring in late spring and occasionally a few in the fall.
Wildlife value:
Seeds from its pods are a minor part of small mammals‘ and birds’ diets; tree has only a limited cover value.
Flower
Fruit
Leaf type:
Simple
Pollinator:
Wildlife value:
Tree dimensions:
Leaf length: 6.00-10.00 inches
Tree height: 50.00-80.00 feet
Where to find Southern Magnolia on the Louisiana State Arboretum Trails:
TER - Walker Terrace 16.0
BBR - Backbone Ridge Trail 4.0
Refer to our Live Map to locate this species and its interpretative signage on the trail system.