I did find a most interesting website in my search for data on the magnolia. From this site, I learned that Magnolia grandiflora is native to the U.S. southeast and can grow as tall as 90 feet; further that the blossoms grow to 8 to 12 inches across and are delightfully fragrant. The magnolia is the state flower of Louisiana and the state tree of Mississippi. There is one tree growing, I understand, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which is 99 feet tall, 71 feet across, and has a trunk 18 feet in circumference!