SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA 



Magnolia grandiflora Linnaeus 



This stately magnolia is one of the most conspicuous trees of the 

 southern woods, occasionally attaining a height of seventy feet. It 

 proves hardyin cultivation as far north as Washington. The wonderful 

 creamy flowers, encircled by the large, glossy, evergreen leaves, spring 

 from the ends of almost every branch. Their delightful fragrance im- 

 mediately attracts attention when the tree is at the height of its glory 

 in June. Several species of beetles patronize the blossoms, enticed by 

 the abundant pollen and nectar. 



Today the members of the Magnolia Family found in America are 

 but a remnant of the numerous species that flourished in pre-glacial 

 times from the mid-continental plains to the Arctic Circle. The fossil- 

 ized trunks found at Amethyst Mountain in Yellowstone Park, with 

 specimens of both fruit and leaves, give an indication of their grandeur 

 and beauty in former ages. 



Southern magnolia is native throughout the Southern States from 

 Texas to Florida and northward to Arkansas and southeastern North 

 Carolina. It has been officially adopted as the State flower of both 

 Louisiana and Mississippi. 



PLATE 24 



