Identifying characteristics:
This large, spreading shrub or small, low-branched tree grows 20
to 30 feet tall. It is a hybrid between two Asian species, M. denudata
and M. liliiflora, and was produced in the early 19th century at
the garden of Soulange-Bodin, near Paris. When young it is distinctly upright,
becoming broadly rounded with upward-curving branches as it matures. The
leaves are simple, alternate, dark
green above and hairy below. The margins are not toothed (entire) and autumn
color is yellow-brown. The large, saucer-shaped flowers
appear as solitary blooms at the ends of the twigs, before the leaves in
April. They consist of 6 petals and 3 similarly-colored sepals, flushed
pinkish-purple on the outside, whitish inside. A second blooming sometimes
occurs in late summer, but these flowers are often pale and deformed due
to the heat. The fruit is a conelike
aggregate of small follicles which turn brown and split open, suspending
1 or 2 bright red, fleshy seeds from each follicle by slender filaments.
This species rarely produces many fruits. Leaf scars are small and
crescent-shaped with 6 or more bundle scars. Stipule scars encircle the
twig at each node. Buds are covered with a single scale with long,
silky, greenish hairs. The bark is
smooth and gray.
Similar species:
Ecology:
Distribution: The saucer magnolia is widely-cultivated in the milder
parts of Canada and across much of the US, and is hardy across the southern
two-thirds of Iowa, although the blooms are often destroyed by late frosts
and cold winds.
Habitat: This magnolia will tolerate partial shade but prefers full sun. It is the best magnolia for planting in clay soils and tolerates atmospheric pollution. Pests and diseases pose no serious threat to cultivation, although black mildew, leaf blight, canker, magnolia scale and dieback have been reported. Bark is often ringed with unsightly holes from the yellow-bellied sapsucker, a songbird that feeds on tree sap. Continued growth of damaged trees is, however, reported to be unaffected.
Uses:
Horticulture: The saucer magnolia flowers when only 2 to 4
feet tall and has a medium growth rate. It has a wide-spreading root system
that requires plenty of room. It may be planted in groupings or as a specimen
tree. 'Alba superba' is a dense, erect-growing cultivar with fragrant, white,
purple-tinged flowers, whereas 'Burgundy' is an early-flowering, deep-purple-flowered
cultivar. In Iowa the star magnolia (M. stellata) and the cucumber tree (M. acuminata)
are also sometimes planted. The star magnolia is similar to the saucer magnolia,
but it has smaller leaves and 12 to 18 petals and sepals in much smaller
flowers.
