Magnoliaceae -- Magnolia family

    Kenneth W. Outcalt

    Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), also called  evergreen magnolia, bull-bay, big-laurel, or large-flower  magnolia, has large fragrant white flowers and evergreen leaves  that make it one of the most splendid of forest trees and a very  popular ornamental that has been planted around the world. This  moderately fast-growing medium-sized tree grows best on rich,  moist, well-drained soils of the bottoms and low uplands of the  Coastal Plains of Southeastern United States. It grows with other  hardwoods and is marketed as magnolia lumber along with other  magnolia species to make furniture, pallets, and veneer. Wildlife  eat the seeds, and florists prize the leathery foliage.