Life History and Disturbance Response of Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia)
Family: Magnoliaceae
Guild: opportunistic, fast growing, shade tolerant
Functional Lifeform: medium sized evergreen tree
Ecological Role: Considered a climax species of the southeastern Coastal Plain. It grows best in moist soils along stream and near swamps. It rarely forms pure stands but is associated with a variety of mesic hardwoods.
Lifespan, yrs (typical/max): 80/120
Shade Tolerance: tolerant
Height, m: 18-24, up to 38m
Canopy Tree: yes
Pollination Agent: insects
Seeding, yrs (begins/optimal/declines): 10/25/
Mast Frequency, yrs: 1yr
New Cohorts Source: seeds or sprouts
Flowering Dates: late spring
Flowers/Cones Damaged by Frost: yes
Seedfall Begins: early fall
Seed Banking: 2yr+
Cold Stratification Required: yes
Seed Type/Dispersal Distance/Agent: heavy seed/50m/birds or animals
Season of Germination: spring
Seedling Rooting System: taproot, root structure changes to a heartroot system as the tree ages
Sprouting: Sprouts form root, stumps and saplings
Establishment Seedbed Preferences:
Substrate: rich litter soil
Light: overstory shade
Moisture: moist required
Temperature: neutral
Disturbance Response:
Fire: Young trees susceptible to fire injury and mortality. However, older trees are quite fire resistant and even if the tops are killed it will sprout readily.
Weather:
Air Pollution:
Exotics: