the daily dose

Magnolia Tree

My husband gave me one as a Christmas gift, and it’s beautiful!

Here’s a few tidbits of information I’ve learned about them:

*Named after botanist Pierre Magnol, it is the State Tree for both Mississippi and Louisiana.

*Some can grow up to 25 feet in height.

*Medicinal uses are mentioned as fas back as 1083.  Called ‘hou po’ in traditional Chinese medicine, the bark contains compounds used for anxieties, allergies and asthmatic conditions.  Dental researchers have also found the bark extract to inhibit periodontal disease and reducing plaque formation.

*Magnolia trees prefer moist, well-drained, acidic soils and can tolerate wet or dry moisture levels.  A good point here in Florida, where our weather can go from very dry to saturated quickly!

If you plan to plant a seedling or young tree, go to:  ehow.com for more information.