southern magnolia

Plant Type

Large Tree (greater than 25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

60-80 ft. tall
20-40 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Deer, Occasional Flooding, Salt Exposure

Propagation

By seed, By cutting

Plant Propagation Notes

Seed requires cold moist stratification for 60 days.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide up to 40 ft spacing. In full sun, southern magnolia maintains it’s branches almost to the ground creating dense shade and making underplanting challenging.

Plants/Diseases

Scale sometimes affects the leaves.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Leaves alternate, elliptical to ovate with entire margins. Waxy and deep green on the top, bronze and hairy on the undersides.

Flowers

Large white, solitary flowers that are cup-shaped, fragrant with 6 petals.

Fruit

Bright red fruits in aggregate.

Bark

Dark gray to dark brown smooth when young and develops plates and scales with age.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Edibility

Flowers and fruit are edible.

Ethnobotanical Use

Wood is used in furniture, doors, and other woodworking.

USDA Hardiness Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0), Basic (greater than 8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Bottomland forests, maritime forests, and sometimes dry forests escaping from cultivation.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the South Carolina coastal plain and sandhills. Introduced to the piedmont and mountains.