How to Identify the Characteristics of the Magnolia Tree

All magnolia trees have large, fragrant symmetrical blossoms.

With 210 species in the Magnolia genus, 80 of which are native to the eastern United States, identifying magnolia trees might seem a daunting task. Some varieties are deciduous, while others are evergreen. Magnolias can occur in both temperate and subtropical climates, where some types grow wild in forests and others are grown as ornamental trees in gardens and landscapes. But there are some universal characteristics of magnolia trees that you can use to identify them. By observing and examining parts of the tree, you will be on your way toward classifying that unknown shrub as a member of the magnolia family.

Instructions

1. Look at the size, shape and placement of the leaves. Magnolia leaves are large---up to six inches long---elliptical in shape and generally smooth around the edges. They are arranged alternately along the branch.

2. Examine both the top surfaces and the undersides of the leaves. Magnolia leaves are a dark, glossy green on top; the undersides are light green, fuzzy reddish-brown or even silvery.

3. Examine and sniff the flowers, which always grow singly at the tips of the branches. Magnolia flowers, which have a sweet, delicate fragrance, are large and symmetrical, and may be white, pink, purple, green or yellow. If the flowers have appeared before the leaves have emerged, this is another indication that the tree is a magnolia. Some varieties of magnolia have flowers that are protogynous, which means they can either appear before the leaves do, or at the same time.

4. Count the petals on the blossoms. If it is a magnolia flower, there will be between nine and 15 petals, or tepals---a term for petals that are similar in shape and color to each other. You will also see a conelike, fuzzy structure in the middle of the blossom.

5. Examine the flower buds if the tree is not yet in bloom. They will be unusually large, with a fuzzy appearance.

6. Observe the fruits, if you are examining the tree in the fall. Magnolia fruits are cone-shaped, with red, orange or pink seeds hanging from the fruit by a thread-like stalk.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Magnolias
• Arbor Day: Magnolia
• Waynes Word: Magnolia Family

Resources

• The Flower Expert: Magnolia