There are many types of magnolia trees in every state in America that are as different from each other as they are similar.
These iconic trees have varieties that are both evergreen and deciduous, and both varieties have cone-shaped fruits and fragrant flowers.
This complete guide provides all the information you’ll need to learn how to identify the types of magnolia trees in every state, including the growing zones where they thrive.
Check it out!
Magnolia Tree Identification
One of the easiest ways to identify particular types of magnolia trees is by their glossy and leathery leaves either with rounded edges or pointed tips.
Features such as the shape of the fruits or the color of the seeds distinguish one Magnolia tree from the next.
And as for the flowers. Well, their uniqueness in shape, smell, size, and even when they bloom is a clear indication of the name of the magnolia tree or shrub decorating your lawn.
Once you know what to look for, recognizing just one particular species of the 78 types of magnolia trees in every state, is as easy as 1(leaf), 2 (fruit) 3(flower).
Southern Magnolia Tree Varieties (Southern Magnolia Tree Identification)
It’s fair to say that the Southern magnolia tree is at the top of the magnolia tree hierarchy, dwelling in virtually all the states across the US in one variety or another.
In fact, Andrew Jackson planted two of them on the White House grounds in 1829 and 1837, and they are both still growing strong today.
They come in both deciduous and evergreen types, bursting with colorful flowers of varying shapes and sizes at least once a year. But how can you tell them apart and do different species need different magnolia tree care?
1. Sweetbay Magnolia (SweetBay Magnolia Tree Bark)
The glossy dark green leaves of the Sweetbay magnolia have a silver underside that resembles frosted glass. The bright scarlet-red fruits ripen in late summer and contrast nicely against the creamy white flowers that bloom in late spring/early summer, emitting a faint scent of lemons.
(Image: Edmond13)
As a young tree, the bark of the Sweetbay magnolia tree is smooth and green. As the tree ages, it becomes gray and gives off a slightly scented, pleasant aroma.
2. Saucer Magnolia
This version of the Southern magnolia tree derives its name from the white and pink saucer-shaped flowers that start to bloom between February and April; occasionally they will re-bloom well into the beginning of winter on these species of magnolias.10
Its branches are low and full of dark-green leaves with a smattering of the 1-4” long red fruits that ripen in the summer.
3. Cucumber Magnolia Tree
Easy to differentiate from its relatives, the Cucumber magnolia tree stretches skyward up to 60-75 feet. The fruits are long and turn from green to red in the summer and like the flowers, which are either greenish-white or yellow-white, are hidden at the top of the tree.
Finding Magnolia Trees in Every State
If a Southern magnolia doesn’t fit your style or color requirements, there are a lot more to choose from. Let’s have a look at a few other types of magnolia trees and how to care for them.
(Image: Chris F17)
4. Pink Magnolia Tree
The delicate flowers of this 70-foot behemoth pink magnolia tree bloom in Spring a bright yellow before morphing into its stunning pink coloring that contrasts beautifully against the deep green leaves.
5. Little Gem Magnolia Tree (Dwarf Evergreen Magnolia Tree)
This little gem is blooming wonderfully. Compact in stature, starting from the beginning of spring all through summer it continues to burst profusely with white, sweet-smelling flowers.
The leaves are evergreen, dark-green topside, and rusty brown on the flip side, and when planted in a row they make a unique privacy screen.
(Image: Benni Fish14)
Plant this in your garden and you’ll spend most of the summer marveling at its flowers and inhaling the heady fragrance.
6. Jane Magnolia
Unlike the Little Gem tree, the Jane magnolia is deciduous, but it can still make a big impact in a small garden, despite its size of just 10 feet. The flowers are astounding, deep purple with an interior tinted with pink and white.
The Magnolia Tree: Types of Magnolia Trees in Every State (Pictures)
Hailing from the Magnoliaceae family of trees and shrubs, there are actually 225 species that are native to parts of the United States, South America, East Asia, and even the Himalayas.
Most of them can grow happily in certain hardiness zones in America.
Which ones? Where? Well, the 78 varieties selected below require varying types of soil, sun, and temperature.
| States | Growing Zone | Types of Magnolia Trees |
| Types of Magnolia Trees in Alabama | 7a -9a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Alaska | 1a-8b |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Arizona | 4b-10b |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Arkansas | 6b-8a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in California | 5a-10b |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Colorado | 3a-7a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Connecticut | 5b-7a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Delaware | 7a-7b |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Florida | 8a-11a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Georgia | 6a-9a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Hawaii | 9a-13a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Idaho | 3b-7b |
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| States | Growing Zone | Types of Magnolia Trees |
| Types of Magnolia Trees in Illinois | 5a-7a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Indiana | 5b-6b |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Iowa | 4b-6a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Kansas | 5b-7a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Kentucky | 6a-7a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Louisiana | 8a-10a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Maine | 3b-6a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Maryland | 5b-8a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Massachusetts | 5a-7b |
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Image: Barbara Coll, UF/IFAS15
| States | Growing Zone | Types of Magnolia Trees |
| Types of Magnolia Trees in Michigan | 4a-6b |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Minnesota | 3a-5a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Mississippi | 7b-9a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Missouri | 5b-7b |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Montana | 3a-6a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Nebraska | 4a-5b |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Nevada | 4a-10a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in New Hampshire | 3b-6a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in New Jersey | 6a-7b |
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| States | Growing Zone | Types of Magnolia Trees |
| Types of Magnolia Trees in New Mexico | 4b-9a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in New York | 3b-7b |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in North Carolina | 5b-8b |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in North Dakota | 3a-4b |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Ohio | 5b-6b |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Oklahoma | 6a-8a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Oregon | 4b-9b |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Pennsylvania | 5a-7b |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Rhode Island | 5b-7a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in South Carolina | 7a-9a |
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(Image: Allen C. Haskell16)
| States | Growing Zone | Types of Magnolia Trees |
| Types of Magnolia Trees in South Dakota | 3b-5b |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Tennessee | 5b-8a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Texas | 7b-10a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Utah | 4a-9a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Vermont | 3b-5b |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Virginia | 5a-8a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Washington | 4a-9a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in West Virginia | 5a-7a |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Wisconsin | 3b-5b |
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| Types of Magnolia Trees in Wyoming | 3a-6a |
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Types of Magnolia Trees with White Flowers
These varieties, Star magnolia, D.D. Blanchard magnolia, Edith Bogue magnolia, and the Merrill magnolia, to name a few, bloom bright white flowers in hardiness zones from 4 to 11.
And an unusual specimen perfect for an ornamental position is the Whitebark Magnolia, which actually has a white bark wrapped around its meaty trunk.
Magnolia Tree Seeds (Magnolia Tree Care)
Magnolia trees11 grow from seeds and these can be harvested after the fruits are mature enough in the early part of October. As they do not store well, it is best to collect them from around the base of the tree if the birds haven’t gotten to them first, that is.
Soak them in a container overnight, then remove the coating with a scrubbing pad before planting in a nursery bed or a shaded area outside.
Ensure the soil is moist as the seeds will need up to 6 months to germinate.
Fertilize in spring, then protect the growing tree as it grows from too much sun or wind, as its roots are fairly shallow. Prune sparingly as it grows and be patient as it can take a few years before the flowers bloom forth.
If you live in zone 5, there is no doubt that one of the 78 types of magnolia trees in every state on our list will be the right one for you. However, don’t choose one just by the magnificent floral display that you’ve seen online, but also by its ability to live long and prosper.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Magnolia Trees
Can You Eat Southern Magnolia Fruit? (Is Umbrella Magnolia Fruit Edible?)
The fruit on the Southern magnolia tree is not edible for humans. Although not toxic, the taste is far from good. Some animals, though, don’t seem to mind snacking on the seeds.
Is The Magnolia Grandiflora Fruit Edible (What Does Magnolia Fruit Taste Of?)
The berries on the magnolia vine tree are actually edible, with a taste that is sour, sweet, bitter, and salty all at the same time. Quite unique and satisfying.
How To Eat Magnolia Fruit?
The fruit on the Magnolia vine can be dried and eaten, or the berries can be steeped in hot water and drunk as a tea.
Do All Magnolia Trees Bloom?
All magnolia trees bloom at least once a year, some twice.
Where Do Southern Magnolia Trees Grow? When To Plant Southern Magnolia Tree?
Planting is ideal in early spring and summer in the southeastern zones from Virginia to Florida and then up to the east of Texas.
When Do Magnolia Trees Bloom in Texas?
In Texas, the months when the flowers burst forth in all their glory are between February and June, but unfortunately, some of the flowers only last for about a few weeks.
What Are the Types of Magnolia Trees for Zone 5?
The climate of hardiness zone 5 affords short, mild summers and long, cold winters. A few othe types of magnolia trees tough enough to survive in this zone are star magnolia,12 cucumber tree magnolia, butterfly magnolia, and ann magnolia.
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References
1Yale University. (2018, February 6). Southern (or Bull Bay) Magnolia. Yale Nature Walk. Retrieved November 14, 2022, from <https://naturewalk.yale.edu/trees/magnoliaceae/magnolia-grandiflora/southern-or-bull-bay-magnolia-78>
2Yale University. (2021, March 21). Saucer magnolia. Yale Nature Walk. Retrieved November 14, 2022, from <https://naturewalk.yale.edu/trees/magnoliaceae/magnolia-x-soulangeana/saucer-magnolia-143>
3Shaughnessy, D., & Polomski, R. F. (2020, January 3). Magnolia. Home & Garden Information Center. Retrieved November 14, 2022, from <https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/magnolia/>
4Oregon State University. (2022). Magnolia Black Tulip™ | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University. College of Agricultural Sciences – Department of Horticulture. Retrieved November 14, 2022, from <https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/magnolia-black-tulip>
5Oregon State University. (2022). Magnolia ‘Galaxy’. College of Agricultural Sciences – Department of Horticulture. Retrieved November 14, 2022, from <https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/magnolia-galaxy>
6NC State Extension. (2022). Magnolia x brooklynensis ‘Yellow Bird’. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Retrieved November 14, 2022, from <https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/magnolia-x-brooklynensis-yellow-bird/>
7Utah State University. (2022). Edith Bogue Southern Magnolia. Botanical Garden Extension. Retrieved November 14, 2022, from <https://extension.usu.edu/botanicalcenter/trees-of-varga-arboretum/edith-bogue-southern-magnolia>
8Purdue University. (2021, February 1). ID That Tree: Cucumber Magnolia. Purdue University. Retrieved November 14, 2022, from <https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/id-that-tree-cucumber-magnolia/>
9NC State Extension. (2022). Magnolia x kewensis ‘Wada’s Memory’ (Anise Magnolia, Wada’s Memory Magnolia). North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Retrieved November 14, 2022, from <https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/magnolia-x-kewensis-wadas-memory/>
10Evich, P. (2021, March 12). The Botany of Magnolias – Smithsonian Gardens. Smithsonian Gardens. Retrieved November 14, 2022, from <https://gardens.si.edu/learn/blog/the-botany-of-magnolias/>
11University of Washington Botanic Gardens. (2022). planting and caring for a new Magnolia tree. University of Washington Botanic Gardens. Retrieved November 14, 2022, from <https://depts.washington.edu/hortlib/pal/planting-and-caring-for-a-new-magnolia-tree/>
12Yale University. (2015, February 4). Star Magnolia | Yale Nature Walk. Yale Nature Walk. Retrieved November 14, 2022, from <https://naturewalk.yale.edu/trees/magnoliaceae/magnolia-stellata/star-magnolia-40>
13Edmond. Edmon website. Retrieved from <https://www.edmondok.gov/ImageRepository/Document?documentID=3838>
14Benni Fish. Pexels. Retrieved from, <https://www.pexels.com/photo/magnolia-flower-in-bloom-12418444/>
15Barbara Coll. Wikipedia Commons. Retrieved from, <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vulcan-magnolia.jpg>
16Allen C. Haskel. Flickr. Retrieved from, <https://flic.kr/p/tKTT7J>
17Chris F. Pexels. Retrieved from <https://www.pexels.com/photo/blooming-flowers-of-delicate-magnolia-in-garden-4099156/>