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1.Magnolia — Overview
Magnolia grandiflora, commonly known as Southern Magnolia or Bull Bay, is a majestic evergreen tree belonging to the Magnoliaceae family, one of the oldest plant families. Native to the southeastern United States, it thrives in humid subtropical climates, typically found in coastal plains and lower elevations. This stately tree can reach impressive heights of 60 to 90 feet (18-27 meters) and a spread of 30 to 50 feet (9-15 meters), developing a dense, pyramidal to rounded crown. Its trunk is generally straight, with a gray-brown bark that becomes furrowed with age.
The leaves are a defining feature: large, thick, leathery, and persistent, typically 5-8 inches (13-20 cm) long. Their upper surface is a glossy, dark green, while the underside is covered with a distinctive reddish-brown, felt-like indumentum (tomentum), which aids in drought resistance and light reflection. The flowers are arguably its most celebrated attribute: massive, solitary, cup-shaped, and creamy white, often reaching 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) in diameter. They emit a powerful, sweet, lemon-citrus fragrance, particularly strong in the mornings, blooming from late spring through summer.
Following successful pollination, the tree produces attractive cone-like aggregate fruits, 3-5 inches (7-13 cm) long, which mature in autumn to reveal bright red arillate seeds, dispersed by birds. Magnolia grandiflora is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree for its striking beauty, fragrant flowers, and enduring evergreen foliage, making it an iconic symbol of the American South.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Magnolia grandiflora:
Magnolia should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Magnolia — Key Features
- Evergreen Foliage — Provides year-round visual interest with glossy, dark green leaves.
- Large Fragrant Flowers — Massive, creamy white flowers emit a strong, sweet, lemon-citrus scent.
- Distinctive Leaves — Leathery leaves with a unique reddish-brown, fuzzy underside (tomentum).
- Stately Growth Habit — Forms a dense, pyramidal to rounded crown, reaching significant height and spread.
- Ornamental Value — Highly prized as a landscape tree for its beauty and fragrance.
- Drought Tolerance — Once established, it exhibits good drought resistance.
- Adaptable — Tolerates a range of soil and light conditions, though prefers specific environments.
- Wildlife Attractor — Seeds attract birds, contributing to local biodiversity.
- Long — lived — Can live for 80-120 years, becoming a prominent landscape feature.
- Historical Significance — An iconic symbol of the American South.
1.2.Magnolia — Quick Summary
- Iconic evergreen tree with large, fragrant white flowers.
- Native to southeastern US, thrives in warm, humid climates.
- Contains lignans (magnolol, honokiol) with potential anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits.
- Primarily ornamental, with limited specific medicinal research on M. grandiflora compared to Asian magnolias.
- Requires moist, acidic, well-draining soil and full sun; low maintenance once established.
- Use with caution, especially internally; consult a healthcare professional for medicinal applications.
2.Magnolia — Scientific Identity
3.Magnolia — Categories & Tags
4.Magnolia — Appearance & Identification
5.Magnolia — Water Requirements
- Soil Preference — Thrives in moist, well-drained, loamy, and fertile soils with an acidic to slightly acidic pH (5.0-6.5); adaptable but performs best in these conditions.
- Light Exposure — Prefers full sun (at least 6 hours direct sunlight) for optimal flowering and growth, but tolerates partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
- Watering Needs — Newly planted trees require consistent watering (twice weekly) for the first two years to establish; mature trees are drought-tolerant but benefit from deep watering twice a month during dry periods.
- Fertilization — Benefits from annual fertilization in spring with a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.
- Pruning — Generally requires minimal pruning; best done after flowering to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and to maintain desired shape. Avoid heavy pruning.
- Mulching — Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds, keeping it away from the trunk.
- Propagation — Can be propagated from seed (requires stratification), semi-hardwood cuttings (with rooting hormone), or air layering for best results.
- Pest and Disease Management — Generally robust, but monitor for common issues like scale insects, magnolia scale, and fungal leaf spots; ensure good air circulation and proper watering.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
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1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
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Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
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Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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