Southern Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora
Last reviewed: June 2026
Southern Magnolia is a large evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States, producing fragrant white blooms from March through May. This drought-tolerant species thrives in full sun across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Southern Magnolia as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
600"–1320" H × 300"–360" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 4 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Southern Magnolia is a large evergreen tree prized for its glossy dark green leaves and fragrant white blooms in spring. This stately native can reach 60-110 feet tall with a 25-30 foot spread, making it suitable only for spacious properties. The tree produces large, showy flowers followed by cone-like seed pods.
Growing Southern Magnolia
Grow Southern Magnolia in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 600 to 1320 inches tall and spread 300 to 360 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Southern Magnolia takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
The large fragrant flowers attract beetles, which are the primary pollinators for magnolias. Birds feed on the red seeds when the cone-like pods open in fall.
Common questions
- When does Southern Magnolia bloom?
- Southern Magnolia typically blooms from March through May, producing large, fragrant white flowers that can be 8-12 inches across.
- What states is Southern Magnolia native to?
- Southern Magnolia is native to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas in the southeastern United States.
- How much water does Southern Magnolia need?
- Once established, Southern Magnolia is quite drought tolerant and can survive on low water, though it will tolerate medium to high moisture conditions as well.
- How large does Southern Magnolia grow?
- Southern Magnolia can reach 60-80 feet tall with a pyramidal to rounded crown, making it one of the largest native magnolia species in North America.
- Is Southern Magnolia toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Southern Magnolia as toxic to livestock.
- Is Southern Magnolia HOA-friendly?
- Southern Magnolia takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Southern Magnolia fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.