*Southern magnolia

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Southern magnolia, with outdoor Arboretum sign on concrete pedestal (northwest of Price Building; map coordinates E-29).

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Outdoor Arboretum sign, 36”x30”, located on concrete pedestal pictured above.

*Magnolia grandiflora
SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA

Magnoliaceae
S.E. North America

Location: map coordinates E-29 (northwest of Price Building, on south side of Mall), N 39°11'14'' W 75°32'27''; and
P-13 (east side of Baker Building), N 39°11'9'' W 75°32'43''

Planting history: E-29: planting history presently unknown.
P-13: probably planted by Dr. N. Dill, 1960’s-1970’s.

Description:
  • tall evergreen tree
  • etymology: Magnolia after Pierre Magnol (1638-1715), French botanist; grandiflora = large flower
  • leaves large, leathery, evergreen, glossy above; rust-colored hairs beneath
  • flowers large, white, fragrant; ca June in Delaware
  • fruit large, cone-shaped; aggregate (of follicles)
  • seeds bright red, hang on silky threads from the fruit, rich in lipids; eaten by some birds and squirrels
  • wood hard, heavy; used for making boxes
  • native to southeastern USA, as far north as southeastern Virginia, mainly coastal plain
  • commonly planted ornamental in Delaware; southern tree hardy to USDA zone 6

*Non-native species (not native to Delaware)

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    There are 2 labeled Southern magnolia trees.
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