Description:
Approximately one hundred to two hundred species (depending
on the scientific authority) of Magnolia
are found in tropical America
and Asia. This species is native to the
eastern United States.
Often, it has multiple trunks. This tree has large leaves with a waxy white
underside (not furry.) The leaves are smaller than the southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) and a lighter
shade of green. Fragrant, cream-colored flowers are produced in spring. The
flowers are about two to three inches wide. Seeds are covered with a bright red
aril that is attractive to fruit-eating birds. This wood has been used for a
variety of purposes but trees tend to be too small and slow for commercial use.
Care Instructions:
Light: full sun to part sun
Water: best in moist soils, not tolerant of prolonged flooding
Soil: fairly adaptable to a wide pH range, may struggle with a very high pH soil
This native tree is an easy, attractive flowering tree for moist areas of northeast Florida. It has a relatively narrow, upright crown that does not provide much shade but fits smaller properties better than large shade trees. It is usually evergreen in the southern United States.
