The Southern Magnolia, belonging to the Magnoliaceae plant family, is native to North America, and was officially acknowledged as the State Tree by the Mississippi legislature, on April 1, 1938. This species grows naturally throughout the Deep South, and ranges from the eastern domain of North Carolina to easternmost Texas. Its seeds are the most attractive thing after its snowy-white flowers.
Identification
On an average, a Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) tree grows well between 60 and 80 feet. Its leaves are oblong in shape, and are leather-like in texture. An average leaf can grow up to 10 inches. The seeds of this tree are shaped in long follicles, approximately 7 to 8 inches in length, and split open during the fall. Its flowers bloom from spring through summer. They are in shades of white, and are as wide as 7 inches. The fruits that the tree bears are an aggregate of hairy tan to pale orange follicles that mature in early autumn. As far as its bark is concerned, it is a dark shade of gray on trees that are young, while developing furrows with age.
Uses
The most extensive use of this tree is in ornamenting, for it has beautiful flowers and branches. Due to its gigantic shape, it is used as a shade tree for parks and golf courses. It mostly grows alone, and is mainly planted to create fragrant privacy screens at many places. Other areas, where different Magnolia tree types are brought into use, include furniture, cabinets, and associated woodwork.
Tree Care
It is not really easy, as this tree allures pests and weeds in large numbers. Firstly, when you decide to plant it, ensure adequate sunlight, fertile, humus-rich soil, and sufficient water supply. The most important aspect of caring for Magnolia is to water it without fail so that it establishes itself for times when there is a chance of dry spells. Regular fertilization, maintenance of mulch layer for soil conservation, and minimization of pesky weeds are aspects of utmost importance. Make sure that you do not carry out inane cultivation around this tree, for it would affect its development.
Moist soils, belonging to the valleys and uplands in the southern periphery of America, boast upon the Southern Magnolia tree. Facts about this huge tree with drop-dead gorgeous flowers state that it is because of its beauty and grandeur that it deserves the place bestowed to it in stories and songs.
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