There are about 225 species of trees and shrubs in the Magnoliaceae family, native to North and South America, the Himalayas, and East Asia. These plants are prized for their large, fragrant flowers in shades of white, yellow, pink, or purple, as well as their attractive leaves and unique fruits. Some serve as important garden ornamentals, while others provide local timber.
Physical description
Magnolia plants can be evergreen or deciduous with smooth-margined, alternate leaves. Their cuplike, fragrant flowers are found at branch tips and feature three sepals, six to 12 petals in multiple series, and numerous spirally arranged stamens. The central simple ovaries develop into a conelike fruit, an aggregate of follicles containing a single seed. These reddish seeds often dangle from slender threads.
Major species
Popular North American magnolia species, which are relatively hardy and deciduous unless noted otherwise, include:
- Laurel (Magnolia grandiflora), also known as southern magnolia or sweet bay, is an evergreen reaching 31 meters (102 feet) with thick, shiny leaves.
- Sweet bay (M. virginiana) grows up to 19 meters (62 feet) with leathery leaves.
- Big-leaf magnolia (M. macrophylla) reaches 15 meters (50 feet) with purple-based blooms.
- The umbrella tree (M. tripetala) grows 12 meters (40 feet) tall and has leaves 60 cm (2 feet) long. It is sometimes used as a rain shield.
- The cucumber tree (M. acuminata) reaches 30 meters (100 feet) with cucumber-shaped rosy fruits.
- Thompson’s magnolia (M. ×thompsoniana) is a hybrid of the umbrella tree and laurel magnolia. It has fragrant, spicy blooms.
Notable Asian magnolia species include:
- Lily magnolia (M. liliiflora) is a 4-meter (13-foot) shrubby tree with purple blossoms, white interiors, and brownish fruits.
- Yulan magnolia (M. denudata), growing nearly 60 meters (200 feet).
- Saucer magnolia (M. ×soulangeana) is a gray-barked hybrid of lily magnolia and yulan magnolia. Its flowers are white, pink, crimson, or purplish.
- Oyama magnolia (M. sieboldii) is a 9-meter (30-foot) tree with crimson fruits.
- Star magnolia (M. stellata) is similar in height and has spidery flowers.
Frequently Asked Question
What are some popular North American magnolia species?
Popular North American magnolia species include Laurel (Magnolia grandiflora), Sweet bay (M. virginiana), Big-leaf magnolia (M. macrophylla), Umbrella tree (M. tripetala), Cucumber tree (M. acuminata), and Thompson’s magnolia (M. ×thompsoniana).
What distinguishes the Laurel magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) from other magnolia species?
The Laurel magnolia, also known as the southern magnolia or sweet bay, is an evergreen that reaches 31 meters (102 feet) and has thick, shiny leaves, which distinguish it from other deciduous magnolias.
What are the notable characteristics of the Yulan magnolia (M. denudata)?
The Yulan magnolia grows nearly 60 meters (200 feet) and is notable for its size compared to other magnolia species.
How can the Saucer magnolia (M. ×soulangeana) be identified?
The Saucer magnolia is a gray-barked hybrid of the lily magnolia (M. liliiflora) and yulan magnolia (M. denudata). Its flowers are white, pink, crimson, or purplish.
What is unique about the Star Magnolia (M. stellata)?
The Star magnolia, reaching a height similar to the Oyama magnolia (M. sieboldii) at about 9 meters (30 feet), is unique for its spidery flowers.
Conclusion
Magnolia species, with their diverse range and striking features, are valued for their beauty and utility worldwide. North American varieties such as the Laurel and Sweet Bay provide stunning ornamentals and practical resources, while Asian species like the Lily and Yulan magnolias add unique floral and structural diversity to gardens. Whether deciduous or evergreen, these trees and shrubs offer a variety of flowers, fruits, and foliage that enhance landscapes and serve multiple purposes.
