 |
This article is in need of a Photo.To add an image to this page, click "Edit" then click the "Files" button. |
Magnolia Trees are trees in the magnolia family. This page will describe trees in both genera of that family: the genus Magnolia (true magnolia trees) and the genus Liriodendron (tulip trees).
The magnolia family is one of the oldest families of flowering plants, having first evolved about 95 million years ago, long before bees existed. Their flowers are consequently primarily adapted to be pollinated by beetles or other unconventional pollinators, although bees can also pollinate them now that bees exist. There are about 220 species in the magnolia family, generally from Asia or the Americas (particularly eastern North America). None of them are native to California.
All trees in the magnolia family are highly sensitive to root disturbance and struggle to recover from pruning cuts or other wounds. Their root systems are very unlike those of any other trees, because they have no thick or strong roots, only a great mass of very thin roots that are easily severed. It is best to avoid digging under these trees at all, because digging under them can kill them.
Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is a fast-growing deciduous tree from eastern North America. It is the state tree of Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. It usually grows 80 to 150 feet tall, although the tallest tree in eastern North America is a 192-foot-tall Tulip Tree. In 20 years, it might reach 50 feet tall. It bears dark red flower buds that open into greenish yellow flowers in the spring, and its leaves turn rusty orange in fall before dropping to the ground. It prefers full sun; if shaded, it pours all its resources into reaching the sun, so it can grow 80 feet tall without developing any branches. It does not usually grow in wetlands, but it has a low tolerance for drought. Although some subpopulations from flood-prone areas have evolved some tolerance for flooded conditions, most trees of this species prefer good drainage. It has a very low tolerance for vines growing on it. Tulip tree has "perfect" flowers (containing both male and female parts in a single flower). It is ranked 3 out of 10 on the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale, indicating that it is fairly unlikely to cause hay fever. Tulip Tree is planted at Pioneer Park and Streng Park. It is also planted as a street tree on 1st Street, 5th Street, the Beamer Circle Park roundabout, Cross Street, East Main Street, and Pendegast Street.
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is an evergreen tree from the southeastern United States. It usually grows 60 to 90 feet tall by about 25 to 30 feet wide. In 20 years, it might grow to 40 feet tall. It can be long-lived but has high water needs and a low tolerance for drought. In June, it becomes covered in huge, strongly aromatic, white flowers. Southern Magnolia has "perfect" flowers (containing both male and female parts in a single flower). It is ranked 5 out of 10 on the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale, indicating a mild to moderate tendency to cause hay fever. It is planted at John Ferns Park and Woodland Sports Park. It is also planted as a street tree on 2nd Street, 3rd Street, the Beamer Circle Park roundabout, Clover Street, Depot Street, Hays Street, Oak Avenue, and Sports Park Drive. Additionally, the dwarf cultivar Magnolia grandiflora 'St. Mary' is planted as a street tree on East Main Street. This cultivar usually grows 20 to 25 feet tall and equally wide.
Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is a slow-growing deciduous tree or large shrub from Japan. It usually grows 5 to 8 feet tall and about 15 feet wide. Its flowers vary from white to pink, changing in color intensity from year to year. Star Magnolia has "perfect" flowers (containing both male and female parts in a single flower). It is ranked 6 out of 10 on the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale, indicating a moderate tendency to cause hay fever. It is planted as a street tree on 4th Street.
Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia × soulangiana) is a hybrid of Magnolia denudata and Magnolia_liliiflora, both of which are from China. It is a deciduous tree or large shrub that usually grows 20 to 25 feet tall, with a lifespan of 20 to 50 years. Saucer Magnolia has "perfect" flowers (containing both male and female parts in a single flower). It is ranked 6 out of 10 on the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale, indicating a moderate tendency to cause hay fever. It is planted at Beamer Park and at the Woodland Public Library.
Links
Wikipedia: Liriodendron tulipifera
