Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana)

In April, this tree becomes covered with large, saucer-shaped, deep pink-purple flowers, which each have 9 leathery petals. The buds that precede these flowers are gray and covered in fuzz. The tree's bark is gray and smooth. This tree attracts sapsuckers.

Family: Magnoliaceae (Magnolia)

Characteristics: The 3-inch to 6-inch-long leaves are dark green and elliptical with a sharply pointed tip. The cup-shaped flowers have 9 petals and begin to appear in April. Flowers are 5-10 inches in diameter and of a rich pink-purple color. Bark is gray and smooth. This tree is low branching and has a rounded shape. It grows 20-30 feet high and has variable spread.

Foliage: Deciduous (leaves lost seasonally)

Geographic Origin: France (non-native)

Cultivation Notes: Requires medium maintenance. Does best in full sun to part shade. Prefers acidic, moist, and well-drained soils, and is sensitive to soil extremes. This tree should be planted in a protected area, in order to avoid frost damage to the flowers.

Number on Campus: 12

Sources: Dirr, Morton Arboretum, Missouri Botanical Garden