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All About Magnolia Species ~ TRIVIA

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I recently wrote an article about my Magnolia tree in my yard. One of my favorite trees. I also mentioned there are 12 different Magnolia species available. Many did not know this. I only know of maybe two or three. The blooms are the easiest way to identify the species. I decided to create a trivia quiz and we can learn together about the 12 species. Interested? Let’s go.

Photo by TheSpruce.com

  • Question of

    The anise magnolia has leaves that look somewhat like those of a willow tree or shrub. They are wider than willow leaves but not as wide as the usual magnolia leaf. This deciduous tree will produce white flowers with strappy petals before the leaves unfurl.

    • Yes
    • No
  • Question of

    This species can be either a large shrub or small tree. It is sometimes treated as a subspecies of the bigleaf magnolia. The name is in honor of William Willard Ashe from the US Forest Service.

    • Yes
    • No
  • Question of

    This species lives up to its name and produces leaves that can be up to 32 inches long. It is one of the magnolias that are usually deciduous, though it can be somewhat evergreen in the warmer zones. The bigleaf is native to the southeast United States and Mexico.

    • Yes
    • No
  • Question of

    This magnolia is so named because the fruits look somewhat like cucumbers. It’s also commonly known as the mountain magnolia or the yellow cucumbertree. The flowers are an interesting shade of yellow-green that is somewhat similar to tulips.

    • Yes
    • No
  • Question of

    The lily magnolia is one of the smaller species, forming into a shrub or short tree. The purple or pink flowers are lightly perfumed. It is one of the parents of the saucer magnolia.

    • Yes
    • No
  • Question of

    This is one of the parents of the Loebner magnolia. The Kobus magnolia produces flowers earlier than other species. It tends to form multiple trunks. It’s also known by its common name the Northern Japanese magnolia.

    • Yes
    • No
  • Question of

    This hybrid results from breeding Kobus magnolia and star magnolia. It usually has several trunks, but you could create a central leader through pruning if you prefer that look. It grows to a modest 30 inches tall. Can you name this species?

    • Saucer
    • Loebner
    • Star
    • None of these.
  • Question of

    This tree was created by crossing the lily magnolia and the Yulan magnolia. It can either be a large shrub with more than one trunk or a small tree. While the blossoms are pink on the outside of this species, you will see white if you peek inside. Specific cultivars come in lilac, pink and white. Its common name is Tulip tree.

    • Yes
    • No
  • Question of

    When people mention magnolias, they are likely talking about this species. It is found throughout the southern United States especially, though it can grow elsewhere. It is drought tolerant. This magnolia has been named the state flower for Louisiana and Mississippi. Can you name this species?

    • Southern Magnolia
    • Anise Magnolia
    • Sweet Magnolia
    • None of these.
  • Question of

    When possible, plant this in a sheltered location to help it flower in the spring as the buds are often damaged by frost. This magnolia requires full sun or partial shade. This species is deciduous and is a small tree or large shrub that features lovely white blossoms.

    • Yes
    • No
  • Question of

    In cooler locations, the sweetbay magnolia is deciduous. It’s a native of the eastern United States and is sometimes referred to as a beaver tree. Other common names include swamp magnolia and Laurel magnolia.

    • Yes
    • No
  • Question of

    The name umbrella magnolia refers to the appearance of the leaves since they hang down around the ends of the branches. It is a deciduous tree that is hardier than many other magnolias. While it grows best in full sun to part shade, it can survive in full shade.

    • Yes
    • No

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Written by Carol DM

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