Magnolia in Bloom

Throughout southern landscapes we find magnificent magnolia trees in bloom. These native trees of the Deep South are favored in lawns for the dark green, waxy leaves and large, fragrant blossoms. At times, magnolias escape cultivation and can be found in woodlots. The magnolia family contains a number of flowering magnolia trees as well as the important bee plant, the tuliptree, or yellow poplar.

When we examine magnolia blossoms, we see that they contain large amounts of pollen. Pollen is important for the diet of honey bees in that it provides protein as well as fats, vitamins, and minerals. After pollination, the magnolia produces seed contained in a red berry, a favorite of a number of song birds and squirrels. The honey bee plays an important role in providing food for wildlife by pollinating flowering plants.
--Richard