Southern Magnolia

Description:

The southern magnolia provides a ecological service and is also used by humans. The tree produces bright red seeds inside its cones that are eaten by many forest animals such as squirrels, quail, opossums, turkey, and other birds and small mammals. Birds often choose this tree to nest because of its sturdy branches and shade. People often plant these trees in backyards and gardens because it is very beautiful to look at. It has long colorful leaves and big flowers. It also provides great shade after it has been allowed to grow for a while. The tree also provides a habitat for many lizards and small insects. The southern magnolia has large green tree with large green leaves. It has large white fragrant flowers. It has a single trunk and pyramidal leaves. Under the large green leaves is a scruffy velvety underside. The tree can grow to be 37 meters tall and the flowers can be up to 30 centimeters across with six to twelve waxy petals. It also has cones containing dozens of bright red seeds.

Habitat:

The souther magnolia grows best on moist soils along streams and near swamps. It should receive a lot of water but it cannot be under water for long periods of time. This tree usually grows not alone but rather surrounded by other southern magnolias or by other tree species. The southern magnolia can be found from eastern North Carolina, south along the Atlantic Coast to the Peace River in central Florida, and in the southern half of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, and across Louisiana into southeast Texas.

Notes:

The southern magnolia is Mississippi's state tree and flower. It does not produce any nectar but it does produce large quantities of pollen. These trees are usually pollinated by beetles. Magnolias have large rope like roots that spread out very far. For this reason it is difficult to move a tree larger than a couple of feet tall.