Southern Magnolia Seedling, Horn Point, Maryland

In Albums: plants broadleaf evergreens

Jun 2nd, 2002, by Alex Zorach

This seedling of a Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) tree was the first individual of this species that I have ever found coming up wild from seed outside of the tree's native range. This tree is widely planted, as far north as Pennsylvania, and rarely in colder climates. It can sometimes survive in these areas outside its native range, although cold, dry weather can stress or kill the trees. However, I find it generally does not come up from seed in these regions. I was excited to find this seedling.

This photo was taken on the grounds of the UMCES Horn Point Lab on the eastern shore of the Cheaspeake bay in Maryland.