Woody > Magnolia > Magnolia salicifolia > Magnolia salicifolia
Magnolia salicifolia
Willow-Leaved Magnolia
Origin: Japan.
Mike's
Opinion
"
The Willow Leaf Magnolia is a unique tree because it is not often used in North America, and is more commonly seen in East Asia. The Willow Leaf is also unique because of its large, attractive white flowers that can be seen in the spring and summer. In addition, the Willow Leaf has very bright red and pink clusters of fruit which draw the eye because they are so pleasing to look at. Thus this plant would make an excellent specimen plant. The fruit of the tree also attracts wildlife such as birds and insects. Willow Leaf Magnolias are not often plagued by pests or disease.
Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)
"
| Family |
| Magnoliaceae |
| Genus |
| Magnolia |
| Species |
| salicifolia |
| Category |
| Woody |
| Type |
| Tree (deciduous) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 4 - 7 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| 2a - 6b |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H6 - H7 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| -34 - (-15) |
| Temperature (°F) |
| -30 - 5 |
| Height |
| 8 - 12 m |
| Spread |
| 4 - 8 m |
Photographs
Cultivars
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Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| Is a deciduous, medium sized tree with white flowers that open in April. The leaves are dark green and oval shaped and end in a point which bloom in March. The fruit of the tree is pink with orange seeds. |
| Landscape |
| Used as a specimen tree for medium-sized and larger gardens. |
| Cultivation |
| Should be grown in full sun, performs well in well-drained, acidic soil. The seeds should be planted in spring before they dry out. |
| Shape |
| A pyramidal shape that stars putting out branches low to the ground. |
| Growth |
| Slow |
| ID Characteristic |
| Sometimes multi-stemmed, has many clumps of pure white flowers with six svelte petals. |
| Pests |
| Generally pest and disease free but may be affected by horse chestnut scale, snails, and capsid bug. Possible diseases are coral spot and honey fungus, as well as grey mold, or even iron deficiency. |
| Habitat |
| Can be found in rocky granite soil by the side of forest streams. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| Smooth, silvery gray bark. The bark emits a lemon scent when bruised. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
| dark brown, covered in grayish brown hair. |
| Leaf Description |
| Leaves are simple, spaced alternately along the branch, and oval shaped. |
| Flower Description |
| Flowers are white, composed of six petals of about 3 to 4” in diameter. |
| Fruit Description |
| Pink or red, in big, 6” long, cone-like structures. |
| Colour Description |
| Has pure white flowers, dark green leaves and bright pink and red fruit. |
| Texture Description |
| Smooth bark and leaves |
| Notable Specimens |
| Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England. |
| Propagation |
| Most propagation is done through seed. Grafting and cuttings are also used, though the amount of successfully rooted cuttings is usually low. Magnolias further south should be planted in autumn while further north they should be planted in early spring. Germination is best when seeds are taken after the fruit is mature, usually in mid-September or early October. |
References
Magnolia salicifolia ‘Wada’s Memory’. (2015). Royal horticultural society.org.uk
Dirr, M. 1975 Manual of Woody Landscape Plants Champaign, Illinois: Stipes Publishing L.L.C.
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