Spot 7: Lower Garden, Final Spot
Let’s talk about the Magnolia virginiana! You’re probably thinking, what exactly is that? Well, the common names include, Sweetbay Magnolia, Laurel Magnolia, and surprisingly Swamp Magnolia. Quite the range in names, right?
It’s genus name is actually taken from French botanist Pierre Magnol (1638-1715) and also meaning “from Virginia.”
This tree has rather interesting characteristics depending on the climate where it is planted. Remember what you learned in school about Darwin? Plants also adapt to their climates!
In the northeast, this specimen can either grow tall like a tree OR become shrub-like. While in the deep south, it’s more prone to growing like a tree. It can even take on properties of an evergreen by NOT shedding its leaves in the fall. Magnolias tend to be very showy, with white blossoms, and what has been described as “attractive bark.”
What do you think of this tree in the gardens?
Thank you for taking this self-guided tour today. For more information on the plants in each of the garden areas, please click on the garden brochure here.
The Museum hopes that you enjoyed your time in the gardens today. If you took any photos you’d like to share with us, feel free to tag us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) or send us an email info@marbleheadmuseum.org
Thank you to the Marblehead Garden Club, specifically Stacy Sullivan, Mary Krull, and Diane Christian for their informational contributions to this program!