Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora

Southern magnolia is one of the iconic native trees of the American South. twelve-inch white flowers with the scent of lemon and cream opening in May and June, glossy dark green foliage year-round, and a commanding presence that announces itself from a hundred yards. Walking past a magnolia in full bloom on a warm evening is one of those experiences that stays with you. The fragrance carries through open windows and drifts through the yard in late afternoon. The cones split open in fall to reveal bright red seeds suspended on threads. taken by mockingbirds, gray catbirds, and squirrels. Dense evergreen canopy creates a dry microhabitat underneath that suits certain groundcovers and spring bulbs. Give it room. this is a significant tree. and it will outlive its planter by generations.