Southern Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora · Broadleaf Evergreen
Plant Family
Magnoliaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental / Flowering Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Little Gem' or 'Alta' given the compact ornamental form in an urban setting
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-9; well-adapted to Mediterranean climates (heat and humidity tolerant).
About This Tree
A dense, pyramidal to rounded tree with large, leathery leaves and showy, fragrant white flowers. It features a medium growth rate and a high-density crown of lustrous green foliage.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate, ovate to elliptic; 5-10 inches long; dark glossy green on top with a distinct rusty-brown, fuzzy (pubescent) underside; leathery texture with smooth (entire) margins.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth and gray-brown when young, developing small scales or a slightly furrowed texture with age; less prominent than the foliage.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Southeastern United States; widely naturalized in Mediterranean climates like Sorrento, Italy
Growing Season
Year-round evergreen foliage; flowers late spring through summer; seeds ripen in autumn; dormant in winter
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun to partial shade; requires moderate water but is remarkably heat and drought tolerant once established; likes well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Mature Size
Height of 60-80 feet/Spread of 30-50 feet (species); cultivars may be smaller (15-20 feet); long lifespan of 80-120 years.
Special Characteristics
Famous for large, lemon-scented white blossoms; extreme heat tolerance; pollution resistant; high ornamental value; timber used for furniture veneers.
Wildlife & Ecology
Seeds are a high-fat food source for birds and small mammals; flowers attract beetles and bees; provides excellent year-round nesting cover for birds.
Notes
Sorrento, Italy, looks like a type of ficus?