Southern Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora
- Native to:
- Puerto Rico, United States
Josep Renalias Lohen11
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Magnoliaceae
- Genus:
- Magnolia
- Species:
- Magnolia grandiflora
- USDA Symbol:
- MAGR4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 2400 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Endopiza liriodendrana, Lobesia sp., Magnolia root borer (Euzophera magnolialis), Phyllocnistis magnoliella, root collar borer (Euzophera ostricolorella), saucereye silkmoth (Callosamia securifera)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) Moths:Phyllocnistis liriodendronella
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers fertile soils with high organic matter
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds must be kept moist; fleshy red seed coat should be removed before stratification to prevent mold.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Notes: Seeds may require light for germination.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. Sow at 4°C for 3 months, then place @ 20°C for 3 months. * remove pulpy coat with detergent washes; germination unlikely if dried by just 20%, store seeds @ 4°C