Magnolia grandiflora
Description: The DD Blanchard Magnolia is a large tree that can reach heights of up to 80 feet and spread of 35 feet. It is shade tolerant, making it suitable for various planting locations. It has the ability to maintain a straight central trunk, which allows it to be grown full to the ground or be pruned into tree form with a visible trunk.
Twig/Bark: The bark of this tree is dark gray and smooth in younger specimens, developing light furrows and a scaly texture as it matures. The twigs and buds are brown, adorned with rusty to tawny hairs, which contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal.
Leaves: The leaves are evergreen and broadly elliptic in shape. They feature thick, leathery blades with an upper surface that is dark green and glossy, while the lower surface is light green, providing a striking contrast.
Flower/Fruit: In May, the tree produces showy and fragrant flowers that are solitary at the tips of the twigs. These blooms can be as wide as 30 cm and consist of up to 12 large creamy-white tepals. In the fall, the tree bears cone-like aggregates of follicles that can reach up to 10 cm long, containing bright red seeds that add visual interest to the landscape.
Habitat: It thrives in dry-mesic to mesic upland forests, riparian forests, and fencerows. It is commonly found in urban areas and near old homesites. This species is native to the outer portions of the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains, spanning from North Carolina to Eastern Texas, and has become increasingly common in the wild in Arkansas, enriching the local flora with its stunning characteristics.