| General Description | A small broad spreading tree or large shrub with several leaning grey-barked trunks. |
| ID Characteristic | Leaves to 60 cm, large, fragrant white blooms with a purple splotch to 60 cm. |
| Shape | Broad spreading, with multiple trunks. |
| Landscape | As a specimen or landscape tree. |
| Cultivation | It is tolerant of heat and humidity and is purported to be deer resistant. Plant in moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil in sun or partial shade. t. Magnolia flowerbuds are susceptible to late-season frosts; shelter large-leaved species from windy locations. Prune in late winter or late summer to prevent bleeding sap; prune minimally to maintain a healthy framework. Avoid digging around the base of the plant as this could harm the thick, fleshy roots. M. ashei is not salt tolerant so avoid planting near roads. |
| Pests | Magnolia ashei may experience bacterial leaf spot, anthracnose, canker, twig and branch dieback, powdery mildew, fungal spots, weevils, snails, scale insects, thrips and planthoppers. |
| Habitat | Found in growing in association with M. tripetala, M. acuminata and M. pyramidata, Quercus laurifolia, Cornus Florida, Fagus grandifolia and Ilex opaca in mesic woods and rich upland forest slopes, floodplains and bluffs.
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| Bark/Stem Description | Smooth grey coloured bark. The twigs have a large, conspicuous stipule. |
| Leaf Description | Deciduous, from 30 - 60 cm long, alternate, broadly oval, obovate with a sagitate base. The leaves resemble old, brown paper bags when falling to the ground in the autumn. The tree may be evergreen in the far southern reaches of its distribution. |
| Flower Description | Flowers are perfect, vase-shaped, up to 30 cm wide, pointed upwards, fragrant, white with a purple splotch, with 6 - 8 petals that are pointed. The flowers bloom when the leaves are about 50% developed. The flowers are pollinated by beetles, bees often arrive too late. |
| Fruit Description | The fruit are cone-like, to 5 cm in length and going from red to brown at maturity. The individual, red seeds are held in small pockets within the cone attached by small treads and ripen in autumn. |