There is a specie of wild magnolia in this particular part of Tennessee that you won't see in most of the state. Preferring shade, it's most often spotted deep in the woods in Big South Fork National Park, up here on the Cumberland Plateau. It likes moist conditions and, since there's usually a creek flowing in the bottoms of ravines, that's where this magnolia grows.
It's hard to photograph because it's usually way up high or way far out but, when you see one, you can only stop and stare!
In spring, this tree is very distinct; narrow and straight with tightly furled leaves. The bud is very distinctive, with three outer petals and three tightly curled within. When it unfolds, the six-petaled blossom is the size of a dinner plate.
It's just one of the things that makes Big South Fork so special! If you had to choose a time to visit this area, it might be the end of May, when the wild magnolias are in bud and in bloom.
For information about Big South Fork real estate or horse properties, go to www.trailridersrealestate.com
There's also a lot of information about the area on the Tennessee Recreational Properties website.
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