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Saucer Magnolia

Magnolia soulangiana

The Saucer Magnolia has large, saucer-shaped flowers that are stunning to look at. It’s a favorite for springtime gardens!

Habitat: Gardens and parks

Appearance

The Saucer Magnolia has stunning, goblet-shaped flowers, usually appearing before its leaves in early spring. These large blooms showcase beautiful shades of white, pink, and purple, often with darker bases. Its smooth, grey bark adds to its refined appearance.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMagnolialesFamilyMagnoliaceaeGenusMagnolia

Saucer Magnolia

Interesting facts

Each flower can have up to 12 petals, creating a giant, showy cup!

It's a 'designer' tree, created by crossing two different magnolia species!

Its fuzzy, oversized flower buds look like velvet cocoons before they burst open.

Magnolias are ancient plants, with some species existing when dinosaurs roamed the Earth!

Special abilities

Saucer Magnolia can bloom before its leaves appear, helping it attract early spring pollinators like beetles and bees before other plants compete.

Saucer Magnolia has thick, waxy petals that offer its delicate-looking flowers some protection against late spring frosts, allowing more successful blooming.

Saucer Magnolia can release a sweet, lemon-like fragrance from its flowers, acting as a powerful scent signal to guide hungry pollinators to its nectar.

Measurements & details

Height: 4.5-7.5 m
Canopy Spread: 4.5-7.5 m
Is Edible: No
Trunk Diameter: 15-30 cm
Lifespan: 50-70 years
Fruit Type: Aggregate of follicles
Growth Rate: Medium
Leaf Type: Deciduous

Ecological connections

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

collects nectar and pollen from its abundant flowers.

eats

Promethea Silkmoth

Callosamia promethea

caterpillars feed on its leaves during their larval stage.

shelters

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

builds nests in its branches and sometimes eats seeds.

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Spring Blooming

Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with these cheerful plants that burst into beautiful flowers as spring awakens the world.

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!