How to identify Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

How to identify Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

Southern magnolia, also known as Evergreen magnolia, Big laurel

Southern magnolia is distinguished by its long-lasting, glossy dark green foliage and iconic, large white flowers that bloom in summer. The leaves are notably firm and resemble those of a laurel, averaging 5 to 8 inches (13 to 20 cm) in length. On the underside, they present a rusty-brown, felt-like texture. This evergreen species often reaches an impressive height of 60 to 80 feet (18 to 24 meters) and spreads 20 to 40 feet (6 to 12 meters) wide, with trunks reaching up to 3 feet (90 cm) in diameter. Southern magnolia's robust stature is complemented by a pyramidal or rounded crown, making it a striking feature in its habitat.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Southern magnolia

Glossy dark green leaves, 5-8 inches (13-20 cm) long, with rusty-brown, felt-like texture on underside.

Fragrant, creamy white flowers, 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) in diameter, with 6-12 petals.

Spherical fruit clusters, 3-5 inches (7.6-12.7 cm) long, ripening to reveal rose-red seeds.

Woody stem, 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter, with rough, grayish-brown bark and horizontal branching.

Distinctive bark evolution from smooth to close plates or scales, indicative of age and resilience.

Detailed Traits of Southern magnolia

Leaf Features

Southern magnolia has alternate, simple, and persistent leaves that are 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 cm) long. These ovate to elliptic leaves are leathery and evergreen, with a glossy dark green upper surface and a variable pale green to gray-brown underside. The underside is covered in felt-like fuzz and rusty-brown tomentose. The leaves are stiffly coriaceous, acute at the tip, cuneate at the base, and have entire margins.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

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Flower Features

Southern magnolia boasts fragrant, creamy white flowers that measure 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) in diameter. These elegant blooms typically have six to twelve petals and emit a delightful scent. The flowers appear in late spring, continuing to bloom sporadically throughout the summer. Solitary and axillary, they are scattered on the plant, featuring a perianth about 6 inches (15 cm) long with 9-15 segments. The blooming period spans from May to June.

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Stem Features

The stem of southern magnolia is stout and woody, with a smooth bark when young, aging to a rough, grayish-brown texture. It is typically thick, measuring around 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter at maturity. Stems are highly branched, spreading horizontally and sometimes growing to ground level. The branches exhibit a natural spread, which contributes to the plant's dense, rounded crown. The stems exhibit a characteristic robustness, crucial for supporting the large foliage of southern magnolia.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of southern magnolia forms as spherical clusters akin to cones, each one roughly 3-5 inches (7.6-12.7 cm) long. By September to October, these aggregates of follicles ripen, unveiling rose-red seeds that dangle on delicate red strands. During maturity, the fruits display a unique, rusty-tomentose texture, providing a distinct identification characteristic. The vibrant red seeds emerge as striking contrasts against the fruit's surface, creating a visually appealing feature for observers.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Southern magnolia and Their Similar Plants

Lily magnolia vs. Southern magnolia: What's The Difference?

Lily magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora) is a small tree native to China. Today, this ornamental shrub has spread around the world and can be found planted throughout East Asia, the United States, and Europe. The lily magnolia received extra attention in the 1950s during the development of new magnolia trees led by the American National Arboretum. Many hybrid magnolia strains were developed and received common girls' names such as Betty, Jane, Judy, etc.

Star magnolia vs. Southern magnolia: What's The Difference?

Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is a small, slow-growing shrub native to Japan. Star magnolia is commonly cultivated in gardens and prefers deep soils with an acidic pH. Compared to other magnolias, star magnolia has much narrower petals and thus resembles twinkling stars.

Cucumber tree vs. Southern magnolia: What's The Difference?

Cucumber tree (Magnolia acuminata) is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. The largest varieties of cucumber tree grow in the southern Appalachian Mountains. This species produces sweet-scented, greenish-yellow blossoms that are reminiscent of a tulip. The tree is named for the cucumber-like seed cones that appear after its blossoms fall off.

Sweetbay magnolia vs. Southern magnolia: What's The Difference?

Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) is deciduous tree in the magnolia family. Scientifically, it was the first magnolia species to be described in the genus. Sweetbay magnolia is grown as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks. Sweetbay magnolia is known for the fragrant vanilla scent of its flowers.

Yulan magnolia vs. Southern magnolia: What's The Difference?

Botanical experts consider yulan magnolia (Magnolia denudata) to be one of the most attractive Magnolia species on the planet. In ancient China, yulan magnolia was a revered gift often bestowed upon emperors. This species has ivory flowers that are lemon-scented.

Banana shrub vs. Southern magnolia: What's The Difference?

The banana shrub is named for the sweet banana fragrance that comes from its cream-colored blooms. It is a slow-growing, easy-to-care-for, evergreen shrub. This member of the magnolia family prefers full sun to part shade.

Bigleaf magnolia vs. Southern magnolia: What's The Difference?

Bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) is a flowering plant native to North America. This plant has the biggest simple leaves in North America. Bigleaf magnolia's flowers have a sweet scent.

Umbrella tree vs. Southern magnolia: What's The Difference?

Umbrella tree (Magnolia tripetala) gets its common name from its over-sized leaves that grow outwards from the stem. The leaves give the plant an umbrella-like appearance. This species can grow up to 14 m tall. The flowers have an unpleasant scent.

Identify Southern magnolia easily and quickly

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Key Facts About Southern magnolia

Attributes of Southern magnolia

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

28 m to 37 m

Spread

10 m

Leaf Color

Green

Brown

Flower Size

15 cm to 30 cm

Flower Color

White

Cream

Fruit Color

Brown

Red

Stem Color

Green

Cream

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Southern magnolia

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Magnolias, nutmegs, and allies

Family

Magnolia

Genus

Magnolias

Species

Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

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Distribution Map of Southern magnolia

Southern magnolia naturally occurs across the southeastern United States. It hasn't been widely introduced, spreading only to neighboring areas such as Cuba and Kentucky. Southern magnolia grows best in rich, damp soils in lowland regions. You can typically find this plant by streams and on the edge of swamps.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Southern magnolia

A Comprehensive Guide to Southern magnolia How to Grow and Care for Southern magnolia