Magnolia, Southern

This tree is one of the 150 trees initially included in the arboretum to coincide with the campus's 150th anniversary celebration.

Scientific Name:
Magnolia grandiflora

Cultivar:

Native to:
North Carolina and Texas

Mature Height and Width:
60-80 feet by 30-50 feet

Additional Notes:
A native of the Gulf Coast region, this is a truly semi-tropical species.  Southern Magnolia is a popular choice for landscaping where a lot of space is available near the ground to accommodate its low, wide spreading crown and large, leathery evergreen leaves.  Landscapers have extended the effective useful range of this species far to the north by planting Southern Magnolia alongside buildings to provide thermal and wind protection critical for survival during cold winters.