Southern Magnolia Facts
The southern magnolia tree, or Magnolia grandiflora, is the state tree of Mississippi. Southern magnolias, which are broad-leafed evergreens, are commonly used for landscaping throughout the United States. Southern magnolias are commonly used for shade and found along streets, on golf courses and in parks. Does this Spark an idea?
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Habitat
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Southern magnolia trees can grow in full sun or partial shade. Well-drained soil and high moisture levels are also suitable for the southern magnolia tree.
Size
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Southern magnolia trees grow to heights ranging from 40 to 80 feet, according to Nortth Carolina State University. The width of southern magnolia trees range from 30 to 40 feet. Leafs of the southern magnolia tree range from 5 to 10 inches in length. Flowers can grow up to 12 inches in diameter.
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Characteristics
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Southern magnolia trees have a moderate growth rate. These trees have white flowers that bloom in the spring. Southern magnolia trees have moderate drought and salt tolerances, and good salt soil tolerance. Seeds of the southern magnolia tree are red.
Complications
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Southern magnolia trees can have problems with tulip-poplar weevil pests that feed on their leaves, according to Florida State University. Magnolia borer pests commonly girdle the trunk of the southern magnolia tree. Other diseases include leaf spots, blights, scabs and black mildews. Southern magnolia trees cannot tolerate compact soil, according to the University of Connecticut. These trees have thin bark that's easily damaged by lawn equipment. These trees have low tolerance for calcium carbonate, or CAC03, according to Wildflower.org.
Considerations
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Southern magnolia trees have little invasive potential, according to Florida State University. Grass and other types of plans usually do not grow under southern magnolia trees because of shade, according to Floridata.com. Southern magnolia trees commonly attract birds, according to the University of Connecticut.
Geography
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Southern magnolia trees are native to North America, according to Florida State University. Specific locations include the coastal plains of North Carolina, south Florida and west to east Texas, according to Floridata.com. Southern magnolia trees are capable of growing in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 9.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit magnolia tree image by Liz Van Steenburgh from Fotolia.com
