Magnolia

            Magnolia trees have distinct features which make them relatively easy to identify. Their flowers are large, sometimes up to 12 inches across, and usually white with a yellow center that sticks out from the middle. The leaves of the magnolia are long, broad, waxy and dark green in color. These trees are usually not very tall, although some have been known to reach 75 feet or more.

Magnolia grandiflora, or Southern Magnolia, is one of the most common species in North America (of 210 total Magnolia species!). It is the state tree of Mississippi, and is native to the Southern U.S from North Carolina to Texas. It now grows as far North as New Jersey and along the Pacific Coast all the way up to the state of Washington, and even into parts of Canada. Even with this range, it grows best in the warmer climates of the South.