State Tree and Flower

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Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) tree as seen on the Mississippi State University campus.

This tree is #4 on the Campus Tree Trail.

STATE TREE:
SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA

(Magnolia grandiflora)

Designated as State Tree in 1938.

Native to the southern United States, the magnolia tree has long been an iconic symbol of Mississippi, thus giving rise to our nickname, “The Magnolia State.”  An election was held in 1935 to determine the state tree of Mississippi.  The magnolia handily beat the other nominees and in 1938 the legislature passed the resolution to make the Southern Magnolia our state tree.  

CLICK HERE to view the map and virtual tour of the Mississippi State University Campus Tree Trail.

 

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The flower of the Southern Magnolia tree is the State Flower of Mississippi. Its fragrant, white flower blooms in the late spring or early summer, and can be seen in every corner of the state.

(Creative Commons)

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Fruit and seeds of the Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora). The seeds are a beautiful, deep red color.

(Creative Commons)

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Magnolia flower on Mississippi State Campus.

Photo by Amy Moe-Hoffman (Dunn-Seiler Museum)

STATE FLOWER:
SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA

(Magnolia grandiflora)

Designated as State Flower in 1952.

The initial adoption of a state flower occurred in 1900, when the school children of Mississippi were tasked with voting for their favorite flower candidates.  The three flowers to receive the most votes were cape jasmine, cotton blossom, and the magnolia with magnolia receiving the vast majority of votes.  Despite the landslide victory, the state flower was not made official until 1952. 

State Tree and Flower