When people think of magnolias or read about them in novels of the antebellum South, the southern magnolia is very likely the plant that comes to mind. This magnolia's flower is the state flower of Louisiana and Mississippi. Southern magnolia is a large evergreen tree that needs lots of space. The elliptical leaves are large and leathery, up to 10 inches long, and the white flowers appearing in mid-summer to early autumn can be as much as 12 inches across. While most magnolias prefer full sun but tolerate some shade, this is a magnolia that actually does best in part shade.
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Native Area: Southeastern U.S.
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Height: 60 to 80 feet
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Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade