Magnolia grandiflora
Southern Magnolia, Evergreen Magnolia, Bull-bay

Mature Height: 60-135'     Longevity: 125 years

3-7 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

7-9 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
3: Presence in low uplands identified but all references clarify uplands as being mesic. "Low" drought tolerance identified in NRCS Plants database. Listed as FACU in Reg1.

7: Found along some streams & swamps but does not tolerate prolonged flooding.

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (NORTH) Solid Z8 w/ possibly a tiny community in Z7 in GA. (SOUTH) Solid Z8 but fairly deep protrusion into Z9 in FL.

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: (NORTH) Solid Z8 w/ small isolated communities in Z7 in NC & GA. (SOUTH) Solid Z8 w/ deep protrusion into Z9 in FL.

6   Sun Strength

7   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

Click here for Key
5.7 = moderate to Rapid
-.4 = Climax Specialist
+.3 = 2 Major & 2 Minor
+.2 = Moderate
0 = No
0 = 70 feet
+.1 = 135'

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
6 = Intermediate to Tolerant
+.7 = Climax Specialist
+.3 = 2 Major & 2 Minor
+.2 = Moderate
0 = No
0 = 70 feet
-.3 = 125 years

TOTAL SCORE (5.9): Presence on many soil orders, decent maximum size & salt tolerance secure greater than moderate growth strength.

TOTAL SCORE (6.9): Strong but not dominant in both sun & shade over a wide range of soil orders, but North South range severely limited.

4   Fire Strength

3   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: low-mid (Big Tree) = 3-4
The glowing description of the trees bark and presence in coastal plain lead me to grudgingly assign a value of 4. Tree does better in areas where fire not as frequent but in coastal plain even areas less frequented by fire are usually fire prone. Commonly seen under canopy of shade intolerant pines that rely on fire.
Final Value = 4

DEFENSE
Base Score: ???
Very little inforamtion on windfirmness. Tree not extremely tall, good root system & solid wood don't indicate any major weaknesses. However lack of data prevents assignment of higher value.
Final Value = 3