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Lily magnolia

How to identify Lily magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora)

Lily magnolia, also known as Woody-Orchid, Red Magnolia, Tulip magnolia, Woody orchid

Lily magnolia is a deciduous plant that fluctuates between a large shrub and a small tree, with typical heights and widths ranging from 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 meters). It sports a rounded and multi-stemmed silhouette with a propensity to spread. In early spring, the plant showcases eye-catching, goblet or lily-shaped flowers bearing 6 to 7 tepals that contrast strikingly with purplish-red exteriors and white interiors. These blooms precede the foliage, which are dark green, ovate to obovate leaves, measuring 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) in length and 2 to 5 inches (5 to 12.5 centimeters) in width, with a pubescent texture on the underside.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Lily magnolia

1

Goblet-shaped flowers with purple-red exteriors and white interiors (3 to 4 inches/7.6 to 10.2 cm).

2

Cone-like fruit aggregate with pinkish-red or orange seeds (3 to 5 inches/7.5 to 12.5 cm).

3

Dark green leaves, ovate to obovate, fuzzy undersides, prone to powdery mildew (4 to 8 inches/10 to 20 cm).

Lily magnoliaLily magnoliaLily magnoliaLily magnoliaLily magnolia

Detailed Traits of Lily magnolia

Leaf Features

Lily magnolia leaves are simple, alternate, and vary in shape from elliptical, ovate, to obovate. They measure 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) long and 2 to 5 inches (5 to 12 cm) wide. In summer, the leaves exhibit a dark green upper surface, while the undersides are fuzzy. By late summer, leaves may appear unkempt, commonly due to powdery mildew. These features make the leaves distinctive and help in identifying the plant.

Leaf Shape

Ovate ,
Obovate

Lily magnolia Leaf Shape image
Leaf Base

Cuneate

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Apex

Acuminate ,
Acute

Learn About the Leaf Glossary
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Flower Features

The flowers of lily magnolia exhibit 6 to 7 tepals, forming a goblet-like or lily-shaped structure. They are purple-red on the outer surface and white inside, with a citrus fragrance. The petals measure 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) long. Floral buds are pubescent, smooth, and point toward the apex. The color ranges from pink to purple, varying by cultivar. These flowers bloom from April to May.

Lily magnolia Flower imageLily magnolia Flower imageLily magnolia Flower image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of lily magnolia is a striking, cone-like aggregate with individual pinkish-red or orange seeds encased in slender follicles. Upon maturity, these follicles split open to reveal seeds that hang on slender threads, almost appearing as a chandelier. The cone-like structure can measure approximately 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.5 cm) long. The texture is typically firm to the touch, and these fruits provide a distinct visual interest when they follow the plant's showy blooms.

Lily magnolia Fruit imageLily magnolia Fruit image
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Lily magnolia and Their Similar Plants

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Southern magnolia vs. Lily magnolia: What's The Difference?
A showpiece of the southern United States is the southern magnolia. This tree is known by its dark green oval leaves that are leathery in feel and its beautiful waxy flowers. The southern magnolia blooms are thought to symbolize dignity and nobility. White versions of the flower are commonly used in bridal bouquets to denote purity.
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Star magnolia vs. Lily magnolia: What's The Difference?
Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is a small, slow-growing shrub native to Japan. Star magnolia is commonly cultivated in gardens and prefers deep soils with an acidic pH. Compared to other magnolias, star magnolia has much narrower petals and thus resembles twinkling stars.
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Cucumber tree vs. Lily magnolia: What's The Difference?
Cucumber tree (Magnolia acuminata) is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. The largest varieties of cucumber tree grow in the southern Appalachian Mountains. This species produces sweet-scented, greenish-yellow blossoms that are reminiscent of a tulip. The tree is named for the cucumber-like seed cones that appear after its blossoms fall off.
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Sweetbay magnolia vs. Lily magnolia: What's The Difference?
Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) is deciduous tree in the magnolia family. Scientifically, it was the first magnolia species to be described in the genus. Sweetbay magnolia is grown as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks. Sweetbay magnolia is known for the fragrant vanilla scent of its flowers.
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Yulan magnolia vs. Lily magnolia: What's The Difference?
Botanical experts consider yulan magnolia (Magnolia denudata) to be one of the most attractive Magnolia species on the planet. In ancient China, yulan magnolia was a revered gift often bestowed upon emperors. This species has ivory flowers that are lemon-scented.
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Banana shrub vs. Lily magnolia: What's The Difference?
The banana shrub is named for the sweet banana fragrance that comes from its cream-colored blooms. It is a slow-growing, easy-to-care-for, evergreen shrub. This member of the magnolia family prefers full sun to part shade.
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Bigleaf magnolia vs. Lily magnolia: What's The Difference?
Bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) is a flowering plant native to North America. This plant has the biggest simple leaves in North America. Bigleaf magnolia's flowers have a sweet scent.
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Umbrella tree vs. Lily magnolia: What's The Difference?
Umbrella tree (Magnolia tripetala) gets its common name from its over-sized leaves that grow outwards from the stem. The leaves give the plant an umbrella-like appearance. This species can grow up to 14 m tall. The flowers have an unpleasant scent.
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Key Facts About Lily magnolia

Attributes of Lily magnolia
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Height
5 m
Spread
2.5 m to 3.5 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
10 cm to 13 cm
Flower Color
Pink
Purple
Red
Fruit Color
Brown
Green
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Lily magnolia

Family
Magnolia
Icon allow
Species
Lily magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora)
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Distribution Map of Lily magnolia

The lily magnolia is native to Southwest China, but it's cultivated worldwide as an ornamental tree, particularly in Japan and other parts of China. Though now rarely found in the wild, it naturally grows in mountain regions.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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