Magnolia is one of the best-known trees in the eastern part of the state. No other tree excels it in the combined beauty of leaves and flowers. Occurring naturally in rich moist soil on the borders of river swamps and nearby uplands in the Coastal Plain to the valley of the Brazos River, it has been widely cultivated for its ornamental value. In its natural [habitat], it attains heights generally of 60 to 80 feet and trunk diameters up to 4 feet. The dense [pyramidal] head, or [crown], is made up of numerous small spreading branches and branchlets.
SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA (Leaf and flower, one-fourth natural size; twig, one-half natural size)
The LEAVES are evergreen, thick, leathery, [elliptical] or [oval], dark green and shiny above, rusty or silvery beneath, and mostly from 5 to 8 inches long, and 2 to 3 inches wide, with prominent midribs. They remain on the tree for approximately 2 years.
The large FLOWERS are 6 to 8 inches broad, with pure white petals surrounding a splash of bright purple in the center, and have a pleasing fragrance.
The [FRUIT] is a rounded or [oval] aggregate 3 to 4 inches long containing many seeds, each enclosed in a [follicle]. These open in the fall and display the bright red seeds dangling on slender threads.
The WOOD is moderately heavy, hard, and of a creamy color. It is used chiefly for furniture, Venetian blinds, and fuel.
SWEETBAY (Sweetbay Magnolia)
Magnolia virginiana L.
Sweetbay, better known locally as white or swampbay, is found in the southern part of the Texas pine belt to western Montgomery County, in swamps and rich, moist soils. Often appearing as a clump of sprouts in open woods, in dense forests it grows as a tree 60 to 90 feet high, and up to 3 feet in diameter.
The [bark] is light gray; the branchlets silky-white.