Campus Tree Walk | Southern Magnolia
Southern Magnolia | Magnolia grandiflora
Pronunciation: mag-NO-lee-uh gran-dih- FLOR-uh
Scientific Name: Magnolia grandiflora
Common Names: southern magnolia, bull bay
Family: Magnoliaceae
Origin: native to the southeastern United States
Height: 60 to 80 feet | Spread: 30 to 40 feet
Description:
Southern Magnolias can be distinguished by their large, glossy dark green leaves that are brown and fuzzy on the bottom. They produce bright red seeds that pop out of a cone-like fruit known as a Follicetum. They are known for their large, fragrant white flowers, which have a unique arrangement found in early angiosperms (flowering plants). Southern Magnolias have a lifespan of approximately 80-120 years. Their genus Magnolia honors French biologist Pierre Magnol, and their species grandiflora means “big flower” in Latin.