Magnolia spp.

Scientific name: Magnolia spp.

Common name: magnolia

Native: Yes

Native range: Several native and non-native species are distributed across the eastern United States [see USDA distribution map].

Distribution in North America: Click to view the USDA Plants Database page for Magnolia spp.

USDA Zones: Depending on species, magnolias are hardy from zones 4-12 [2].

Maximum age: Some species, such as the southern magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora, may live up to 80-120 years [3].

Ecology: The fruits and seeds of native species are eaten by wildlife, including game fowl and rodents [3,4].

Ethnobotany: Several native magnolia species are used by Indigenous American groups for medicinal purposes and as building material [1]. The flowers, fruits, and seeds of many species are also edible - however, this is not a universal truth for magnolias, nor are all magnolia species equal in terms of flavor [5,6].