Southern Magnolia

"Southern Magnolia"

Magnolia grandiflora

Magnolia family (Magnoliaceae)

Called "Southern" because it is found mostly in the Southeast part of U.S.
Named "grandiflora" because of its huge flowers that can be seen a mile away
White flowers occur in the spring
Evergreen
Large, thick, leathery leaves are reddish underneath
One of the most ancient of flowering plants