| National Champion
| Southern Magnolia Magnolia grandiflora Magnolia Family — Magnolia Genus Jones County, Mississippi Circumference = 268 inches (22.3 feet)
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The Southern Magnolia, also called "Evergreen Magnolia" or "Bull Bay," is one of the most beautiful native trees, with evergreen leathery leaves, straight trunk, conical crown, and very large, very fragrant, showy white flowers. Planted around the world in warm temperate and subtropical climates, it is a popular ornamental and shade tree in parks, gardens and yards. Several horticultural varieties have been developed.
Southern Magnolia grows principally on the Coastal Plain of the Southeast, but is hardy north to Philadelphia. It grows on lowlands, never above 600 feet altitude, along margins of ponds and swamps, on hammocks and low rolling hills. It reaches its best growth and greatest size on rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Identification
& CultureSouthern Magnolia does not occur in pure stands, but grows in association with other hardwoods, mainly sweet gum, tulip tree, white ash, and American beech. Seeds are shed in the fall, and eaten by turkey, quail, seed-eating birds, squirrels, opposums, mice, and chipmunks, yet the trees have limited wildlife value.
Southern Magnolia wood is hard, heavy and white, but turns brown after exposure to air. It is used in limited amounts for furniture, baskets and crates. The dried leaves are used by florists in decorations.