Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora L.

Zones: 6a to 10b

Iconic Southern Shade Tree
Huge Fragrant Blooms

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not applicable. Not a food plant

Hazard type

The NC State page lists no poison information. That is not a statement that the plant is safe.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

No toxicity claim found from either ASPCA or NC State Extension for Magnolia grandiflora specifically. ASPCA does rate a different species, Magnolia stellata ('Magnolia Bush'), Non-Toxic: not extended here: a non-toxic same-genus relative doesn't license an inferred-safe verdict for a different species. Recorded as unconfirmed rather than assumed safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 6a to 10b
Mature size: Typically 60-80 feet tall, 20-40 feet wide (NC State Extension).
Family: Magnoliaceae (magnolia family)
Where it comes from: Bottomlands and moist wooded areas of the central and southeastern coastal plains, from North Carolina to Florida and Texas (NC State Extension).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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