Japanese magnolia or kobus magnolia is a medium-sized tree native to the forests of Japan. The early spring, goblet-shaped, slightly fragrant, white flowers are tinged with pink. In late fall, clustered seed pods split open to reveal red seeds which are attractive to birds.
- Family (English) Magnolia
- Family (botanic) Magnoliaceae
- Planting site Residential and parks
- Tree or plant type Tree
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Non-native
- Size range Medium tree (25-40 feet)
- Mature height 30-40 feet
- Mature width 30-40 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily), Full shade (4 hrs or less of light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
- Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
- Drought tolerance Moderately sensitive
- Other tolerances Alkaline soil, Dry sites
- Season of interest early spring, mid spring
- Flower color and fragrance Fragrant, White
- Shape or form Oval, Round
- Growth rate Slow
- Transplants well Yes
- Planting considerations May be difficult to find in nurseries, Weak wood and branch structure
- Wildlife Insect pollinators
- Has cultivars Yes
