The
Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia) is a native plant. You will find it in the Arboretum's Certified Professional Plant Area. It has dark green leathery leaves with a cinnamon underside. The leaves can be cut and used in holiday wreaths, garlands, or in centerpieces. This evergreen tree can grow up to 50-80 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide. It is suggested that the lower limbs be left all the way to the ground to hide leaf drop which occurs in the spring and fall. If the Southern magnolia is too large for your own yard, you might consider planting 'Little Gem' which grows 12-20 feet tall and 12 feet wide. It's leaves have a bronze underside.
