{"id":624,"date":"2026-10-12T11:22:46","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T15:22:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/?page_id=624"},"modified":"2026-10-12T11:22:47","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T15:22:47","slug":"saucer-magnolia","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/trees\/saucer-magnolia\/","title":{"rendered":"Saucer Magnolia"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Magnolia<\/span> \u00d7<\/span> soulangeana<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Overview<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Saucer Magnolia is one of the most<\/span> popular<\/span> ornamental<\/span> flowering<\/span> trees<\/span> in<\/span> the<\/span> world.<\/span> A<\/span> hybrid<\/span> created<\/span> in<\/span> the<\/span> early<\/span> nineteenth<\/span> century<\/span> by<\/span> crossing<\/span> Yulan<\/span> Magnolia<\/span> (<\/span>Magnolia<\/span> denudata<\/span><\/em>)<\/span> and<\/span> Lily<\/span> Magnolia<\/span> (<\/span>Magnolia<\/span> liliiflora<\/span><\/em>),<\/span> it<\/span> is<\/span> prized<\/span> for<\/span> its<\/span> large,<\/span> tulip-shaped<\/span> flowers<\/span> that<\/span> bloom<\/span> before<\/span> the<\/span> leaves<\/span> emerge<\/span> in<\/span> spring.<\/span><\/p>\n

Its spectacular floral<\/span> display<\/span> has<\/span> made<\/span> Saucer<\/span> Magnolia<\/span> a<\/span> favorite<\/span> in<\/span> gardens,<\/span> parks,<\/span> campuses,<\/span> and<\/span> arboretums.<\/span> Large<\/span> pink,<\/span> purple,<\/span> and<\/span> white<\/span> blossoms<\/span> often<\/span> appear<\/span> when<\/span> few<\/span> other<\/span> trees<\/span> are<\/span> in<\/span> bloom,<\/span> making<\/span> the<\/span> species<\/span> one<\/span> of<\/span> the<\/span> earliest<\/span> and<\/span> most<\/span> striking<\/span> signs<\/span> of<\/span> spring.<\/span><\/p>\n

Identification<\/span><\/h2>\n

Leaves<\/span><\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Alternate<\/span> leaf<\/span> arrangement<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Simple,<\/span> oval<\/span> to<\/span> obovate<\/span> leaves<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Dark<\/span> green<\/span> during<\/span> the<\/span> growing<\/span> season<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Yellow<\/span> to<\/span> bronze<\/span> fall<\/span> color<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Typically<\/span> 3<\/span> to<\/span> 6<\/span> inches<\/span> long<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Bark<\/span><\/h3>\n
      \n
    • Smooth<\/span> gray<\/span> bark<\/span> on<\/span> young<\/span> trees<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Develops<\/span> subtle<\/span> texture<\/span> and<\/span> shallow<\/span> furrows<\/span> with<\/span> age<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Attractive<\/span> branching<\/span> structure<\/span> visible<\/span> during<\/span> winter<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Flowers<\/span><\/h3>\n
        \n
      • Large<\/span> tulip-shaped<\/span> blossoms<\/span><\/li>\n
      • White,<\/span> pink,<\/span> purple,<\/span> or<\/span> pink-purple<\/span> in<\/span> color<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Typically<\/span> 4<\/span> to<\/span> 8<\/span> inches<\/span> across<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Bloom<\/span> before<\/span> leaves<\/span> emerge<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Among<\/span> the<\/span> largest<\/span> flowers<\/span> produced<\/span> by<\/span> ornamental<\/span> trees<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Fruit<\/span><\/h3>\n
          \n
        • Cone-like<\/span> seed<\/span> structures<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Mature<\/span> in<\/span> late<\/span> summer<\/span> and<\/span> autumn<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Release<\/span> bright<\/span> red-orange<\/span> seeds<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Size<\/span><\/h3>\n
            \n
          • Typically<\/span> grows<\/span> 20<\/span> to<\/span> 30<\/span> feet<\/span> tall<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Mature<\/span> spread<\/span> of<\/span> 20<\/span> to<\/span> 30<\/span> feet<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Often<\/span> develops<\/span> a<\/span> broad,<\/span> rounded<\/span> crown<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Origin<\/span> and<\/span> History<\/span><\/h2>\n

            Saucer<\/span> Magnolia<\/span> is<\/span> a<\/span> cultivated<\/span> hybrid<\/span> developed<\/span> in<\/span> France<\/span> during<\/span> the<\/span> early<\/span> 1800s.<\/span> It<\/span> combines<\/span> characteristics<\/span> of<\/span> two<\/span> Asian<\/span> magnolia<\/span> species<\/span> and<\/span> quickly<\/span> became<\/span> one<\/span> of<\/span> the<\/span> most<\/span> widely<\/span> planted<\/span> flowering<\/span> trees<\/span> in<\/span> Europe<\/span> and<\/span> North<\/span> America.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Numerous<\/span> cultivars<\/span> have<\/span> since<\/span> been<\/span> developed,<\/span> offering<\/span> variations<\/span> in<\/span> flower<\/span> color,<\/span> size,<\/span> shape,<\/span> and<\/span> bloom<\/span> time.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Within<\/span> the<\/span> Marshall<\/span> University<\/span> Arboretum,<\/span> Saucer<\/span> Magnolia<\/span> is<\/span> classified<\/span> as<\/span> a<\/span> Non-Native<\/span><\/strong> species.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Ecology<\/span> and<\/span> Wildlife<\/span> Value<\/span><\/h2>\n

            Saucer<\/span> Magnolia<\/span> provides<\/span> valuable<\/span> early-season<\/span> resources<\/span> for<\/span> pollinators.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Its<\/span> flowers<\/span> attract:<\/span><\/p>\n

              \n
            • Bees<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Beetles<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Other<\/span> pollinating<\/span> insects<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              The<\/span> tree’s<\/span> branching<\/span> structure<\/span> also<\/span> provides:<\/span><\/p>\n

                \n
              • Nesting<\/span> opportunities<\/span> for<\/span> birds<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Seasonal<\/span> shelter<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Shade<\/span> and<\/span> visual<\/span> diversity<\/span> within<\/span> the<\/span> landscape<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                While<\/span> it<\/span> does<\/span> not<\/span> support<\/span> the<\/span> same<\/span> ecological<\/span> relationships<\/span> as<\/span> many<\/span> native<\/span> trees,<\/span> it<\/span> contributes<\/span> to<\/span> pollinator<\/span> activity<\/span> and<\/span> landscape<\/span> biodiversity.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Human<\/span> Uses<\/span> and<\/span> Cultural<\/span> Significance<\/span><\/h2>\n

                Saucer<\/span> Magnolia<\/span> is<\/span> grown<\/span> almost<\/span> exclusively<\/span> for<\/span> its<\/span> ornamental<\/span> value.<\/span><\/p>\n

                The<\/span> species<\/span> is<\/span> valued<\/span> for:<\/span><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Spectacular<\/span> spring<\/span> flowers<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Early<\/span> bloom<\/span> season<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Attractive<\/span> growth<\/span> habit<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Four-season<\/span> landscape<\/span> interest<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Historic<\/span> horticultural<\/span> significance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  Because<\/span> of<\/span> its<\/span> exceptional<\/span> floral<\/span> display,<\/span> Saucer<\/span> Magnolia<\/span> is<\/span> commonly<\/span> planted<\/span> as<\/span> a<\/span> specimen<\/span> tree<\/span> where<\/span> its<\/span> blossoms<\/span> can<\/span> be<\/span> fully<\/span> appreciated.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  Saucer<\/span> Magnolia<\/span> at<\/span> Marshall<\/span> University<\/span><\/h2>\n

                  Saucer<\/span> Magnolia<\/span> contributes<\/span> spring<\/span> color<\/span> and<\/span> ornamental<\/span> beauty<\/span> to<\/span> the<\/span> Marshall<\/span> University<\/span> Arboretum.<\/span> Its<\/span> large<\/span> blossoms<\/span> provide<\/span> one<\/span> of<\/span> the<\/span> most<\/span> noticeable<\/span> floral<\/span> displays<\/span> on<\/span> campus,<\/span> attracting<\/span> attention<\/span> from<\/span> visitors<\/span> throughout<\/span> the<\/span> blooming<\/span> season.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  As<\/span> a<\/span> non-native<\/span> ornamental<\/span> species,<\/span> Saucer<\/span> Magnolia<\/span> demonstrates<\/span> the<\/span> influence<\/span> of<\/span> cultivated<\/span> landscape<\/span> trees<\/span> on<\/span> the<\/span> campus<\/span> environment<\/span> and<\/span> complements<\/span> both<\/span> native<\/span> and<\/span> introduced<\/span> flowering<\/span> trees<\/span> within<\/span> the<\/span> arboretum<\/span> collection.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  Quick<\/span> Facts<\/span><\/h2>\n

                  Common<\/span> Name:<\/span><\/strong> Saucer<\/span> Magnolia<\/span>
                  \nScientific<\/span> Name:<\/span><\/strong> Magnolia<\/span> \u00d7<\/span> soulangeana<\/span><\/em>
                  \nFamily:<\/span><\/strong> Magnoliaceae<\/span>
                  \nNative<\/span> Region:<\/span><\/strong> Non-Native<\/span>
                  \nMature<\/span> Height:<\/span><\/strong> 20-30<\/span> feet<\/span>
                  \nMature<\/span> Spread:<\/span><\/strong> 20-30<\/span> feet<\/span>
                  \nGrowth<\/span> Rate:<\/span><\/strong> Moderate<\/span>
                  \nSun<\/span> Requirements:<\/span><\/strong> Full<\/span> Sun<\/span> to<\/span> Partial<\/span> Shade<\/span>
                  \nSoil<\/span> Preferences:<\/span><\/strong> Moist,<\/span> well-drained,<\/span> slightly<\/span> acidic<\/span> soils<\/span>
                  \nUSDA<\/span> Hardiness<\/span> Zones:<\/span><\/strong> 4-9<\/span>
                  \nBloom<\/span> Period:<\/span><\/strong> March<\/span> to<\/span> April<\/span>
                  \nFruit\/Seed:<\/span><\/strong> Cone-like<\/span> fruits<\/span> containing<\/span> red-orange<\/span> seeds<\/span>
                  \nWildlife<\/span> Value:<\/span><\/strong> Supports<\/span> pollinators<\/span> and<\/span> provides<\/span> seasonal<\/span> habitat<\/span> value<\/span>
                  \nNotable<\/span> Characteristics:<\/span><\/strong> Large<\/span> tulip-shaped<\/span> flowers,<\/span> early<\/span> spring<\/span> blooms,<\/span> and<\/span> hybrid<\/span> origin<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                  Magnolia \u00d7 soulangeana Overview The Saucer Magnolia is one of the most popular ornamental flowering trees in the world. A hybrid created in the early nineteenth century by crossing Yulan Magnolia (Magnolia denudata) and Lily Magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora), it is prized for its large, tulip-shaped flowers that bloom before the leaves emerge in spring. Its<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":224,"featured_media":0,"parent":6,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-narrow.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-624","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/624","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/224"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=624"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/624\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":625,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/624\/revisions\/625"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=624"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}