# 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!

- **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Gardens and parks
- **Also known as:** Chinese Magnolia

![Saucer Magnolia](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426053/objects/4861.jpg)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Magnoliales
- **Family:** Magnoliaceae
- **Genus:** 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

- **Early Bloomer:** Saucer Magnolia can bloom before its leaves appear, helping it attract early spring pollinators like beetles and bees before other plants compete.
- **Waxy Petals:** Saucer Magnolia has thick, waxy petals that offer its delicate-looking flowers some protection against late spring frosts, allowing more successful blooming.
- **Fragrant Beacon:** 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
- **Spread:** 4.5-7.5 m
- **Edible:** No
- **Size:** 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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/promethea-silkmoth) (*Callosamia promethea*) — caterpillars feed on its leaves during their larval stage.
- **Shelter:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — builds nests in its branches and sometimes eats seeds.

## Traits

- [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
- [Spring Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spring-blooming): Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
- [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
- [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.

## Collections

- [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Saucer Magnolia?

Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Saucer Magnolia?

4.5-7.5 m

### How wide does Saucer Magnolia spread?

4.5-7.5 m

### Is Saucer Magnolia edible?

No

### How big is Saucer Magnolia?

15-30 cm

### How long does Saucer Magnolia live?

50-70 years

### Where is Saucer Magnolia usually found?

Gardens and parks

### What kind of fruit does Saucer Magnolia produce?

Aggregate of follicles

## More Trees

- [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*)
- [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*)
- [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*)
- [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*)

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Source: [Saucer Magnolia: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/saucer-magnolia)