•Status in Florida: Native
•Size at Maturity: Typically grows 60 to 80 feet tall with a spread of 30 to 50 feet.
•Phenology: Evergreen tree with large, glossy green leaves and creamy white, fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.
•Life Cycle: Perennial tree
•Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
•Deciduous, Dioecious, Evergreen: Evergreen
•Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
•Soil Texture: Well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay soils
•Soil pH: Tolerant of a wide range, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0)
•Moisture Requirements: Prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil, but can tolerate occasional periods of drought once established
•Tolerance to Salt Spray: Moderate tolerance
•Recommended Landscape Uses: Specimen tree, shade tree, focal point in landscapes, avenue planting, street tree, park tree
•Maintenance Tips: Moderate maintenance; prune as needed to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches; mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
•Considerations: Southern Magnolia trees have large, shallow roots that may cause issues with nearby structures and sidewalks if not properly managed.
•Deer and/or Rabbit Resistance: Moderately resistant; typically not preferred by deer or rabbits
•Edible: The young leaves and flower petals of Southern Magnolia are edible and can be used in cooking and teas.
•Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used in folk medicine for various purposes, including as a treatment for anxiety and respiratory ailments.
•Toxicity to Pets: Not known to be toxic to pets, but ingestion of large quantities of leaves or flowers may cause gastrointestinal upset.
•Florida Native Companion Plant: Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
•Wildlife Benefit: Provides habitat and food for various birds and insects; the flowers attract pollinators such as bees and beetles.