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Magnolia

Magnolia is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the family Magnoliaceae.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Magnolia is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the family Magnoliaceae. It includes more than 200 species, with an especially wide distribution in East and Southeast Asia and the Americas, and is known for its large, fragrant flowers and cone-like fruit.

Description

Magnolias are woody flowering plants with alternate, smooth-margined leaves and showy, often fragrant flowers. Their fruits are distinctive cone-like aggregates of follicles that release seeds.

Distribution and classification

The genus is native to a broad range including the Americas, the Himalayas, and East and Southeast Asia. Source counts vary by classification, with estimates ranging from about 225 species to more than 360 known species.

Ecology and cultivation

Magnolias are grown mainly as ornamentals for their flowers, foliage, and growth form. They are available as shrubs or trees, and breeders have produced many hybrids for different sizes and flower colours.

Canadian relevance

The cucumber tree (Magnolia acuminata) is the only magnolia species native to Canada, making the genus relevant to Canadian flora and horticulture.

Key facts

  • Magnolia is a genus in the magnolia family, Magnoliaceae.
  • Species occur in the Americas, the Himalayas, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.
  • Magnolias can be evergreen or deciduous and grow as trees or shrubs.
  • The flowers are typically large, fragrant, and white, yellow, pink, or purple.
  • The cucumber tree is the only magnolia species native to Canada.
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Canadian context

The cucumber tree (Magnolia acuminata) is the only magnolia species native to Canada, so Magnolia is relevant to Canadian native plant conservation and horticulture.[6]

Frequently asked questions

What is Magnolia?
Magnolia is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the family Magnoliaceae.
Are magnolias evergreen or deciduous?
Different magnolia species can be either evergreen or deciduous.
What do magnolia flowers look like?
Magnolia flowers are usually large, fragrant, and white, yellow, pink, or purple.
What is the magnolia fruit?
The fruit is a cone-like aggregate of follicles, each usually containing a seed.
How many magnolia species are there?
The number varies by classification; sources in the results give estimates of about 225 species and more than 360 known species.
Which magnolia species is native to Canada?
The cucumber tree, Magnolia acuminata, is the only species native to Canada.

References

  1. NC State University Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/magnolia/
    Supports: Species diversity, native regions, growth habit, flower colour, hybrid cultivation, and genus/family classification.
  2. Clemson Home & Garden Information Center — https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/magnolia/
    Supports: Examples of major magnolia species and a commonly grown hybrid.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/magnolia-plant
    Supports: Genus description, approximate species count, native range, leaf and flower characteristics, and fruit morphology.
  4. USDA Forest Service — https://www.fs.usda.gov/nsl/Wpsm/Magnolia.pdf
    Supports: Genus overview and statement that cucumber magnolia is the only species native to Canada.