The Magnolia Family
What are they?
The Magnolia Family consists of a group of very ancient trees, believed to be one of the most primitive families of flowering plants still in existence. Most species occur in North America and eastern Asia. Many of the species are stunning when in flower, particularly those species that flower before the leaves open and are popular as garden plants.
Where are they found?
Two species in this family are native in Cape May County and both are typically trees of well wooded areas.
Identification
Both species are easily identified when in flower; the tulip tree has a very distinctive leaf, while the leaves of the magnolia are relatively easy to identify once known too.
Sweetbay Magnolia Magnolia virginiana
Frequent, with small numbers occuring in damp woodland and woodland edge throught the county. Flowers late May to June. Bark shows many short, horizontal lenticels.
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scarlet seeds |
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American Tulip Tree Liriodendron tulipifera
(Yellow or Tulip Poplar) Not a major constituent of Cape May's woodland, but not infrequent in wet woods, particularly in the middle of the county, such as at Lizard Tail Swamp and along Indian Trail Road. Tulip Trees can grow to great heights and need deep, alluvial soils to be at their best. Flowers May to June.
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old fruit husks |