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© Ulf Eliasson epibase 08:33, 30 November 2006 (UTC), some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Magnolia, Genus, fraseri, Species,
- Genus & species
Fraser magnolia
Southeastern United States (southern Appalachians)
Overview
Magnolia fraseri is a deciduous tree growing 30-50 feet (9-15 m) tall, sometimes reaching 70 feet (21 m), with a slender trunk and an open, spreading crown. The leaves are large, 8-18 inches (20-45 cm) long, with two ear-like lobes at the base (auriculate) and crowded toward the ends of the branches in whorl-like clusters. In April and May the tree opens fragrant creamy-white to pale-yellow flowers 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) across, with six to nine tepals, after the leaves have expanded. The flowers give way to rose-red cone-like fruit 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) long that release red seeds on slender threads in autumn. Magnolia fraseri grows in moist, rich coves and slopes of the southern Appalachian Mountains, usually in part shade beneath taller trees. It needs cool, moist, acidic soil and declines in hot, dry, or exposed sites. The smooth gray bark and large leaves stay as identifying features through the growing season. Growth is moderate, and trees reach flowering size in about 10 to 15 years.
Native Range
Magnolia fraseri is native to the southern Appalachian Mountains of the southeastern United States, from Virginia and West Virginia south to Georgia and Alabama. It grows in moist mountain coves, slopes, and stream valleys.Suggested Uses
Magnolia fraseri is used as a specimen and shade tree in large gardens, woodland settings, and naturalized plantings, spaced 25-35 feet (7.5-10.5 m) from other trees. Its size and large leaves suit cool, moist sites with room to develop. It is grown where the autumn fruit and leaf litter can be accommodated.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 50'
Width/Spread20' - 30'
Bloom Information
Flowers open in April and May, after the leaves have expanded, and last about two weeks. The fragrant blooms are followed by rose-red fruit that ripens from August to October. Flowering begins once trees reach roughly 10 to 15 years of age.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
creamy white to pale yellowFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Magnolia fraseri grows in part shade to full sun and moist, rich, acidic, well-drained soil. It needs cool, even moisture and declines in hot, dry, compacted, or alkaline ground. Water during dry spells, especially for young trees and in full-sun sites. The fleshy roots are easily damaged, so transplanting is done when trees are young and dormant. The tree drops large leaves in autumn, which create heavy litter beneath the canopy. It has few serious pests, though late frosts can damage early flowers and foliage.Pruning
Pruning is kept to a minimum and done in summer after flowering, since magnolias heal slowly from cuts. Dead, damaged, or crossing branches are removed to maintain structure. The natural form needs little shaping.Pruning Schedule
Prune: June–July
summer
