1998 32c Flowering Trees: Southern Magnolia

U.S. #3193
1998 32¢ Southern Magnolia
Flowering Trees

Issue Date: March 19, 1998
City: New York, NY
Quantity: 250,000,000
Printed By: Banknote Corporation of America
Printing Method: Lithographed
Perforations: Die Cut 11.3
Color: Multicolored

One of the more familiar species of its family, the southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is native to the coastal plains of the southeastern United States. This ornamental tree can be found from North Carolina to Texas, especially along riverbanks and in other moist places. It is often planted in parks and gardens as well.

The southern magnolia is considered one of the most magnificent ornamental trees in the American forest. The tree is identified easily by its persistent green leaves, with their rust color underneath. Both its leaves and flowers can grow to be 8 to 10 inches in size. The southern magnolia is known for its large, fragrant white flowers that bloom in the spring. These flowers are often shaped like a cup and grow at the tips of the branches. The seeds of the magnolia tree hang by silky white threads from cone-like fruit. This is a moderately fast-growing evergreen, usually reaching a height of 60 to 90 feet.

Besides being valued as an ornamental tree, the magnolia is cultivated for its timber. Magnolia wood is both heavy and hard. As other indications of this tree’s value, the southern magnolia is the state tree and flower of Mississippi, and the state flower of Louisiana.