Quick answer: Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is native to 10 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Josep Renalias Lohen11, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Dry-Moist |
| Soil | Rich, porous, acid soils - sandy, loam, clay, acid-based or calcareous |
| Bloom | Bloom Apr-Jun |
| Height | Up to 50 ft, rarely 100 ft |
| Wildlife value | Ornamental blooms, understory/shade tree |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Southern magnolia
Where is Southern magnolia native?
Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is native to 10 states across the South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Southern magnolia bloom?
Southern magnolia blooms Apr-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Southern magnolia need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: Medium water, Dry-Moist. Soil: Rich, porous, acid soils - sandy, loam, clay, acid-based or calcareous. Mature height: Up to 50 ft, rarely 100 ft.
Is Southern magnolia good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Ornamental blooms, understory/shade tree.
Is Southern magnolia deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Southern magnolia is drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy real Southern magnolia seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Magnolia grandiflora on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Southern magnolia.
- Longleaf pine Pinus palustris
- Southern live oak Quercus virginiana
- Yaupon holly Ilex vomitoria
- Loblolly pine Pinus taeda
- Mountain witch-alder Fothergilla major
- Sourwood Oxydendrum arboreum
Also listed under
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