Southern Magnolia

Range/Geographical Distribution: Along the coast from Maryland to Texas.

Habitat: Lowland woods, hammocks, and maritime forests. 

Description: A medium-sized evergreen tree with large, oval, waxy green leaves that can reach a foot in length.

Size: Can reach 90 feet in height and the trunk can reach three feet in diameter.

Breeding: Produces large, white, fragrant flowers from April to June. Seeds hang by silken threads from mature cone-like fruits from September through late fall.

Predators/Ecological Importance:  Birds and small mammals eat the seeds.

Conservation Status: No legal status.

Interesting Facts: Extracts from the leaves, fruit, bark, and wood of the southern magnolia have potential for pharmaceutical applications.  The species name “grandis” and “flor” translate from Latin to “big flower.” 

On the Coast: Southern magnolias are common in urban areas along the Georgia coast but can also be found in maritime forests and other well-drained areas.