Magnolia grandiflora
Description: This shade-tolerant tree can grow to between 25 to 40 feet tall. Its size and evergreen nature provide year-round visual interest, making it a popular choice for planting in a variety of locations.
Twig/Bark: The bark of young trees is dark gray and smooth, but as the tree matures, the bark becomes slightly furrowed and scaly. Twigs and buds are brown, covered with rusty to tawny hairs, adding to the tree’s distinctive texture and visual appeal.
Leaves: The evergreen leaves are widely elliptic, thick, and leathery. The upper surface is dark green and glossy, while the lower surface is light green, creating a rich contrast. These leaves are both durable and attractive, contributing to the tree’s ability to thrive in various conditions.
Flower/Fruit: In May, the tree produces showy, fragrant flowers that are solitary at the tip of twigs. These large, creamy-white blooms can reach up to 30 cm in width and are composed of up to 12 large, impressive tepals. In the fall, the tree produces cone-like aggregates of follicles, up to 10 cm long, which contain bright red seeds that add another layer of seasonal interest to the tree.
Habitat: This tree thrives in dry-mesic to mesic upland forests, riparian forests, and fencerows. It is often found near old homesites and is well-suited for urban areas. Native to the outer portions of the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains, from North Carolina to Eastern Texas, it has become increasingly common in the wild, particularly in Arkansas.