Tree of Merit
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
By Christiean Todd Smith,
Owner of Urban Green Assets
LLC and PhD Candidate at
Southern University and
A&M College, Department of
Urban Forestry, Environment,
and Natural Resources
urban-forestry.com 39
USDA Hardness Zones: 7–10
Height: 60–80 ft (18–24 m)
Spread: 30–40 ft (9–12 m)
Beautiful and magnificent,
the
Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is a
tree species native to the southeastern United
States, one that we see in abundance here in
Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Its flower is the Louisiana
State Flower (the baldcypress has the distinction
of Louisiana State Tree). Southern magnolia is
one of more than 200 tree and shrub species
in the Magnolia genus. Large, glossy, thick,
dark green leaves with fuzzy brown undersides
and fragrant, showy white blooms are telltale
signs that a plant is a Southern magnolia.
For its distinct aesthetic value and its capacity
to thrive in urban locations, the Southern mag-
nolia is a much-desired tree species in cities
like Baton Rouge. Blossoming repeatedly from
late spring to early summer, the tree's fragrant
white blossoms are a hallmark of summertime,
which is why the Southern magnolia is one of
my favorite trees. Its thick evergreen canopy can
provide significant shade in urban settings; it
also makes a good screen and windbreak when
used in groves. Its resistance to disease and pests
makes it an excellent option for use in urban
landscaping as well. I find that it doesn't need as
much pruning or care as many other tree species,
that it is quite drought tolerant once established,
and that it tolerates a wide range of soils.
Although the Southern magnolia has many pos-
itive qualities, it also has several drawbacks. >>
Its thick evergreen canopy
can provide significant
shade in urban settings;
it also makes a good
screen and windbreak.
Unfurling flower of Southern magnolia. Photo
from Cornell Woody Plants Database
