The state flower of Louisiana, the southern magnolia has been cultivated here since 1734. Blooming from May to November, the flowers are the first signals of summer, with their sweet perfume and white petals. Bull bay and sweet bay species are found on campus, along with two Asiatic specimen. In close relation to the magnolia is the banana shrub and the tulip tree or tulip poplar. Magnolias can be found near Josephine Louise Hall, Jones Hall, the Newcomb Art Courtyard, and outside of Mussafer Hall.
Additionally, Japanese Magnolias dot Tulane's campus and the surrounding area with beautiful white and pink blooms that explode in early Spring. Unlike the Southern Magnolia, the Japanese Magnolia is deciduous and drops its leaves in the winter. Its blooms sprout before its leaves come back.r A line of Japanese Magnolias outside of Newcomb Hall are a lovely reminder that Spring is coming.