Southern Magnolia

The southern  magnolia is an evergreen tree with large, white, showy and scented blossoms in the spring. Now, the flowers are long gone and this is the time of year when the magnolia tree berries are in their prime. They are ripe for all of the animals to devour, and the seeds inside are perfect for cultivating. You have to get them while they are fresh, they cannot dry out. Also, the process of growing a tree from a seed is rather laborious. Read about it and consider trying to grow a tree from seed (see HERE). The better bet is to find a seedling growing under or around your tree. It is so fascinating that this genus evolved before there were bees, which is why they are pollinated by beetles. If you have a magnolia tree in your yard, you probably see a lot of beetles in the spring. 

The magnolia is beautiful and you can use parts of it almost all year long. The leathery leaves are always beautiful in an arrangement. The flowers are heavenly, and when the pods dry, people also incorporate them into wreaths and other December arrangements. If you want to brighten your day, listen to the Tex-Mex, Americana singer Tish Hinojosa's song about the magnolia tree (HERE).

We think a possum lives in our magnolia, at least we think that is what is scampering around the magnolia tree at night. Happy Thursday!

Comments

[William Kendall]

Definitely not something that can grow here.

[Katja Brown]

You provide always such a wealth of information including how to grow your own Magnolia tree as well as that beautiful song. Thanks so much Janis!

[Jane Mitchell]

You are gradually making me. a Tish Hinonhosa fan.