Magnolia pyramidata W. Bartram

Pyramid Magnolia; Bartram's Magnolia

Tree

Perennial

Vascular

Pyramid Magnolia is a native deciduous tree in the Magnolia family (Magnoliaceae). It can be found in the southern two-thirds of Alabama. Pyramid Magnolia grows in rich hardwood forests, along the banks of streams, in steepheads and ravines, and on steep slopes. It is often a multi-trunked small tree to 30 feet, with an overall pyramidal shape. The bark is smooth and thin. On young twigs the bark is reddish-brown and on older limbs and the trunk it is grayish brown. Leaves are alternate, deciduous, rhombic-spatulate in outline, and entire. Leaf bases are cordate or auriculate. Leaves are broadest above the middle and glaucous on the lower surface. The leaves are typically clustered near the ends of branches. Flowers are large and showy. They are produced with the leaves at the ends of branches. Flowers have several creamy white tepals and numerous stamens and pistils. Flowers are fragrant with a musty smell that is unpleasant to some. The fruit is a cone-like aggregate of follicles. The fruit often becomes red as the seed mature. The seed are covered in a red fleshy aril. Pyramid Magnolia is available from some native plant nurseries. It is an excellent small tree for the home landscape. It also works well along a woodland margin or near a stream or other water body. Plants should be protected from damage from lawn mowers or string weed-eaters.--A. Diamond

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Native

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