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Magnolia fraseri

Fraser magnolia

Magnoliaceae

Southeastern United States (southern Appalachians)

Attracts Pollinators Fragrant (moderate)

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 5–8

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

Identify Magnolia fraseri by its very large leaves 8-18 inches (20-45 cm) long with two distinct ear-like lobes at the base, clustered at the branch tips. The creamy-white spring flowers reach 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) across, and rose-red cone-like fruit follows in late summer. The eared leaf base separates it from the umbrella magnolia Magnolia tripetala, which has tapered, unlobed leaf bases.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height30' - 50'

Width/Spread20' - 30'

Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks

Spring

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 yellow

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-15 years

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

summer