WSU Clark County Extension
PNW Plants Searchable, categorized images
              

Southern Magnolia

Scientific name: Magnolia grandiflora
Taxonomy
Family:Magnoliaceae
Type:Evergreen trees
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:6 to 8
Sun:Full sun
Moisture:Dry
Plant Characteristics
Height:75 ft
Width:40 ft
Bloom:Fragrant flowers
Bloom Time:May to September
Bloom Color:White
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description A distinctive evergreen tree with large, showy, fragrant flowers (citrus scented), the southern magnolia is found throughout the milder regions of the Pacific Northwest.

Morhpology:
This is an evergreen tree which can attain an eventual height of 60’-80’, with a width of 30’ to 50’. With time it develops a dense, somewhat coarse shape, which is largely pyramidal. Leaves are alternate, simple, and large: 5”-10” long and 2’-5” wide. They are glossy green on the upper surface with a cinnamon brown "felt" on underside.
Flowers are very large (up to 12” in diameter), perfect (both male and female) and creamy-white in color. Each flower has 6 petals and a pleasing fragrance. Look for the flowers to begin appearing in late spring. Fruits are rose-red aggregates of follicles, 3” to 6” and ripen in the fall.

  Adaptation:
This species does best in partial shade but can take full sun in cooler areas. Select a rich, organic site with a low pH (5.5 to 6.5) for optimum plant growth. Protect from winter winds and sun in northern areas.

Don't expect grass or anything else to grow underneath a magnolia. The old leaves that accumulate under the tree seem to take forever to decompose. The leaves and fruit can be considered a litter problem by the gardener looking for a neat and tidy shade tree.

  Pests:
None reported. The seed is poisonous if ingested.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234