Southern Magnolia

Common Names

Bull Bay

Jones Magnolia  

Scientific Names

Magnolia grandiflora

Magnoliaceae family  

History of
the Tree Species

(See #6)

Native to the southeastern U.S. and prominent in the history of the South

Historic specimens include one in Washington State Park in AR, plated in 1839, and one transplanted from Nashville, TN, to the White House grounds by Andrew Jackson

Named after French botanist Pierre Magnol who held a deep admiration for the tree and transplanted it to Europe 300 years ago 

Scientific Facts

Flower petals are edible, though flavor is intense and tastes similar to how they smell

Not typically eaten raw, petals often pickled, diced, and used in salads

Bark is a diaphoretic, stimulant, and tonic

Bark used in treatment of malaria and rheumatism

Decoction has been used as a wash for sores and bath for prickly heat itching

Alcoholic extract of plant may reduce blood pressure