Magnolia salicifolia (Willow-Leaved Magnolia)


Michael's Opinion

The Willow Leaf Magnolia is a unique tree because it is not often used in North America, and is more commonly seen in East Asia. The Willow Leaf is also unique because of its large, attractive white flowers that can be seen in the spring and summer. In addition, the Willow Leaf has very bright red and pink clusters of fruit which draw the eye because they are so pleasing to look at. Thus this plant would make an excellent specimen plant. The fruit of the tree also attracts wildlife such as birds and insects. Willow Leaf Magnolias are not often plagued by pests or disease.

Botanical Information

FamilyMagnoliaceae
GenusMagnolia
Speciessalicifolia
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
ReferencesMagnolia salicifolia ‘Wada’s Memory’. (2015). Royal horticultural society.org.uk Dirr, M. 1975 Manual of Woody Landscape Plants Champaign, Illinois: Stipes Publishing L.L.C.
OriginJapan.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4 - 7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone2a - 6b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH6 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-34 - (-15)
Temperature (°F)-30 - 5
Height8 - 12 m
Spread4 - 8 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodApril, May

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionIs a deciduous, medium sized tree with white flowers that open in April. The leaves are dark green and oval shaped and end in a point which bloom in March. The fruit of the tree is pink with orange seeds.
ID CharacteristicSometimes multi-stemmed, has many clumps of pure white flowers with six svelte petals.
ShapeA pyramidal shape that stars putting out branches low to the ground.
LandscapeUsed as a specimen tree for medium-sized and larger gardens.
PropagationMost propagation is done through seed. Grafting and cuttings are also used, though the amount of successfully rooted cuttings is usually low. Magnolias further south should be planted in autumn while further north they should be planted in early spring. Germination is best when seeds are taken after the fruit is mature, usually in mid-September or early October.
CultivationShould be grown in full sun, performs well in well-drained, acidic soil. The seeds should be planted in spring before they dry out.
PestsGenerally pest and disease free but may be affected by horse chestnut scale, snails, and capsid bug. Possible diseases are coral spot and honey fungus, as well as grey mold, or even iron deficiency.
Notable SpecimensWestonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England.
HabitatCan be found in rocky granite soil by the side of forest streams.
Bark/Stem DescriptionSmooth, silvery gray bark. The bark emits a lemon scent when bruised.
Flower/Leaf Bud Descriptiondark brown, covered in grayish brown hair.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are simple, spaced alternately along the branch, and oval shaped.
Flower DescriptionFlowers are white, composed of six petals of about 3 to 4” in diameter.
Fruit DescriptionPink or red, in big, 6” long, cone-like structures.
Colour DescriptionHas pure white flowers, dark green leaves and bright pink and red fruit.
Texture DescriptionSmooth bark and leaves

Photographs