Magnolia grandiflora

 

 

           

           It is June and the magnolias are in bloom.  There is something so very southern about a magnolia.   It has been called  “an aristocratic tree.”  Historically, magnolias were often selected to line the entrance to antebellum plantations.  But, the magnolia’s history predates the antebellum landscape by millions of years.  In fact, fossil records indicate magnolias existed on earth before winged insects evolved.  As a primitive plant, magnolias were pollinated by beetles back then, and still are today. 

          There are many varieties of magnolias.  Some are diciduous, such as the saucer magnolia and star magnolia.  Others are evergreen but tend to shed yellow leaves throughout the year, which some homeowner find to be rather messy.   With various species, flowers may be white, yellow, pink or purple.  Most  magnolias can grow to be quite large, so careful consideration should be given when choosing a magnolia.