Southern Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora
Family: Magnoliaceae
Natural History
Flower of southern magnolia | Photo credit: Rebekah D. Wallace, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Southern magnolia - also known as bull bay or evergreen magnolia - is one of the best-known trees in the state of Florida. It occurs naturally in rich hammock soils and on the border of river swamps along with other hardwoods.
The southern magnolia is noted for its large handsome flowers that appear at intervals during the summer months. The flowers stand out with their large showy cream white petals, surrounding a splash of bright purple in the center (from the stamens), and their pleasing fragrance.
The "sweet magnolia" of the South well deserves the place given to it in story and song.