Magnolia Tree Types

Magnolia tree varieties belong to the largest genus in the plant kingdom with about 210 flowering plant species. The genus was named after the French botanist Pierre Magnol. The Magnolia species is widely distributed in the east and southeast Asia. It is also found in eastern North America, Central America, the West Indies and some parts of South America.

The species of magnolia is older than the bees and thus used beetles for pollination of their flowers. This is the reason that you will find the carpals of the magnolia plants very tough to prevent the crawling beetles from eating them up. There are over 80 species of magnolia tree types found around the world. Let us see some of the magnolia tree varieties in the following article.

Magnolia Tree Varieties

The magnolia tree varieties are either evergreen or deciduous trees that belong to the Magnoliaceae plant family. Most of these magnolia tree varieties bloom in spring with large, white flowers. The magnolia tree varieties are hardy plants with few pests and diseases affecting them.

Types of Magnolia Trees

Yulan Magnolia
This magnolia tree species occurs naturally in China. It can grow well in USDA Zones 6 to 9. These magnolia trees grow up to 30 to 40 feet in height and spread and have dark green leaves with lighter underside. These trees bloom with fragrant, white flowers in March and red ripe fruits are produced in late summer. The Yulan magnolia tree care requires it to be grown in rich, loamy soils in partial or full sunlight. These trees grow to be an excellent lawn tree.

Large Flowered Magnolia
The large flower magnolia also known as Southern magnolia is indigenous to southeastern parts of US. These magnolia trees grow up to 30 to 50 feet in width and 60 to 80 feet in height. They do well in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 9. The magnolia tree care requires it to be grown in moist, loamy souls with plenty of sunshine. These trees flower in May and June and should be planted in moist woodland areas.

Kobus Magnolia
The Kobus magnolia is an indigenous tree of Japan and can grow up to 25 to 30 feet in height and spread. These plants can grow well in USDA Zones 5 to 8. The deep green, aromatic leaves of this plant turn into a yellow brown color in autumn. The Kobus magnolia tree care requires it to be grown in moist, well drained soils in partial to full sun areas. These plants produce white flowers with a tint of pink in March. These flowers turn into magnolia tree seeds or seedpods that attract birds.

Cucumber Tree
The cucumber tree is native to eastern north America. It can grow up to 20 to 35 feet in width and 40 to 70 feet in height. It grows well in USDA Zones 3 to 8. The cucumber tree may take up to 12 years to bloom with lightly fragrant, yellow green flowers to appear in April and May. These flowers blossom and turn into bumpy green fruits that look like cucumbers. The leaves are yellowish green that turn into golden shades in autumn. The cucumber magnolia tree care requires it to be grown in moist, rich soils in partial to full sun regions. This tree is best suited as a shade tree for lawns and in parks.

Star Magnolia
The star magnolia reaches about 20 feet in height and 15 feet in width. This tree can suffer from winter frost and does well in USDA Zones 4 to 8. The star magnolia blooms in late winter to early spring. The deep green leaves turn into yellow brown leaves in autumn. The star magnolia tree care requires it to be grown in organic soils in sunny locations. These trees are best suited for woodland margins and foundation plantings.

Magnolia Tree Facts

• The cucumber tree, sweet bay tree, umbrella magnolia, Fraser magnolia and big leaf magnolia are types of deciduous magnolia tree varieties.
• The Southern Magnolia is the State Flower of Mississippi.
• Magnolia flowers do not yield true nectar; instead give pollen in big quantities.
• This pollen is rich in proteins that serves as food for the beetles.
• The magnolia looks like a pyramidal crown and can reach a height of about 60 to 80 feet.
• The magnolia tree seeds are shaped like a kidney and contained in cone like reddish brown fruits.

This was some information related to magnolia tree types. You will find a lot of information related to magnolia tree care on the Internet, that will help you grow your tree. I hope this article has helped you learn something informative regarding the magnolia tree varieties.