(Magnolia virginiana)
Family: Magnoliaceae
Description
Tree with narrow, rounded crown that sheds its leaves in winter or is almost evergreen southward and has aromatic spicy foliage. Height is 20–60 ft. (6–18 m). Diameter is 1.5 ft. (0.5 m). Leaves are 3–6 in. (7.5–15 cm) long, 1.25–2.5 in. (3–6 cm) wide, oblong, lacking teeth and a blunt tip. Bark is gray, smooth, thin and aromatic. Flowers are 2–2.5 in.(5–6 cm) wide, cup-shaped and bloom in late spring and early summer. Fruit is 1.5–2 in. (4–5 cm) long, conelike, elliptical and dark red. It is composed of many separate pointed fruits, maturing in early autumn.
Habitat
Wet soils of coastal swamps and borders of streams and ponds. Non-native to New Mexico.
Discussion
This tree is popular for its fragrant flowers, showy fruit, handsome foliage and smooth bark. It was introduced into European gardens as early as 1688.
