Science · Specimen Trees
Southern Magnolia
Southern magnolia is a large evergreen native to moist woodlands and bottomlands of the southeastern coastal plains. Its glossy leaves, fragrant white summer flowers and red seeds are distinctive; the species needs ample growing space.
Profile
- Foliage
- Broadleaf evergreen with stiff, glossy leaves and rusty-brown hairy undersides.
- Flowers
- Large, fragrant white flowers appear in summer.
- Fruit
- Woody brown fruits display bright red seeds.
Source: Magnolia grandiflora — NC Extension Plant Toolbox ↗ — Description and identification sections support leaf persistence, leaf surfaces, flowers, fruit, habitat and space requirements.
Species and soil references do not establish universal moisture targets, monetary appraisals or pest diagnoses. Missing pest lists mean evidence has not been verified, not absence of pests.
Water & soil context
- Moisture (VWC)
- No universal numerical VWC target established; calibrate to soil, sensor placement and root-zone conditions.
- Salinity tolerance
- No profile-specific salinity rating retained without direct evidence.
- Drought tolerance
- Depends on identity, establishment, climate and soil; do not infer an irrigation threshold from drought tolerance.
Check moisture in the root ball and surrounding soil; avoid persistent saturation. Adjust irrigation to measured site conditions rather than a fixed percentage.
Source: Water Management and Pest Problems — UC IPM ↗ — General woody-landscape guidance, not a species-specific irrigation prescription: both deficit and excess moisture injure roots; new root balls can dry between irrigations. No universal VWC target.
Problems to watch
No species-specific list verified in the cited references. This does not mean absence of pests or stress; investigate changes with a qualified specialist.
Stress signs
No species-specific list verified in the cited references. This does not mean absence of pests or stress; investigate changes with a qualified specialist.
Where you'll find it
- Campuses
- Estates
- Historic grounds
Sources & scope
- Water Management and Pest Problems — UC IPM ↗
General woody-landscape guidance, not a species-specific irrigation prescription: both deficit and excess moisture injure roots; new root balls can dry between irrigations. No universal VWC target.
- Magnolia grandiflora — NC Extension Plant Toolbox ↗
Description and identification sections support leaf persistence, leaf surfaces, flowers, fruit, habitat and space requirements.
More specimen trees
Published botanical and soil references are distinct from GroundWorx product guidance. Moisture thresholds and monitoring depths require site calibration; sources do not establish product performance or diagnose stress.