The trees and shrubs called magnolias are known for their large, fragrant flowers. They grow in North and Central America, the Himalayas, and eastern Asia. People often plant magnolias in parks and gardens for their beauty and for the shade they provide. Some types of magnolia wood are used in furniture and cabinetry.

Physical features

Many magnolias grow from about 40 to 80 feet (12 to 24 meters), but some are larger or smaller. Many have smooth, gray bark that sometimes becomes scaly with age. Magnolias have spreading branches, and the shrub forms may have multiple trunks. Some are evergreen, but others shed their leaves in winter.

The flowers of a magnolia grow at the end of the branches. The flowers may be white, yellow, pink, or purple, and they can measure 10 inches (25 centimeters) or more across. Most magnolia flowers have six to twelve large petals. Some flowers have a beautiful fragrance. The large, oval-shaped leaves of a magnolia are often smooth and sometimes glossy. After flowering, magnolias produce a conelike fruit. The fruit splits open in the fall and releases reddish seeds that hang down by slender threads.

Some types of magnolias bloom only after ten years or more. They generally bloom in the spring and early summer. The blossoms easily fall apart in the wind and turn brown during a frost. Asian magnolias typically bloom before leaves appear on the trees.

Types of magnolias

Popular North American magnolias include the southern magnolia, the big-leaf magnolia, the umbrella tree, and the cucumber tree. The southern magnolia is popular for its large, white blossoms and lemony fragrance. The big-leaf magnolia grows up to 50 feet (15 meters) high and has purple-based flowers. The umbrella tree has leaves that are 2 feet (61 centimeters) long. The cucumber tree is a fast-growing tree that is named after its fruits, which resemble cucumbers in shape.