Lily Magnolia

Scientific Name:
Magnolia liliiflora 

Average height at maturity:
8 to 12 feet 

Average width of canopy at maturity:
8 to 12 feet 

Leaves and bark:

  • The lily magnolia has dark green, oval shaped leaves that are 4 to 8 inches long and 2 to 5 inches wide. These leaves are arranged in an alternate pattern along the branches of the tree.
  • The lily magnolia has bark that ranges in color from light gray to brown.

Other fun and interesting facts:

  • The lily magnolia is native to Southern and Southeastern China.
  • The genus (biological classification) name Magnolia is in honor of Pierre Magnol who was a French botanist from the 1600s.
  • The saucer magnolia is a cross between the lily magnolia and the Yulan magnolia.
  • The lily magnolia’s root system can be easily damaged when replanting the tree in another location.
  • Look for a lily magnolia in between the small playground and gaga ball pit at Wood Park and around Leonia.

 

Sources:

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/magnolia-liliiflora/
https://www.thespruce.com/growing-the-magnolia-iliflora-3269224

 

Photo Credit to Ben Leynse
Information compiled as part of Robert Slater’s 2023 Eagle Scout Project