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Woody > Magnolia > Magnolia ashei > Magnolia ashei

Magnolia ashei


Ashei's Magnolia, Dwarf Big Leaf Magnolia, Deciduous Magnolia




Origin:  Endemic to the the Florida Panhandle. There are about 90 + occurrences of Magnolia ashei on five conservation areas in Florida. Named garden plant of the year by the American Horticultural Society in 2017. Magnolia ashei is related to three other Florida Magnolia species: M. acuminata, M. tripetela and M. pyramidata.
Family
Magnoliaceae
Genus
Magnolia
Species
ashei
Category
Woody
Type
Tree (deciduous), Shrub (deciduous)
Synonyms
Magnolia macrophylla ssp. ashei
USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9
Canadian Hardiness Zone
6a -8b
RHS Hardiness Zone
H3 - H6
Temperature (°C)
-20 to -15
Temperature (°F)
4 - 5
Height
4.5 m - 10 m
Spread
3.6 - 7.6 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
AprilMayJune
General Description
A small broad spreading tree or large shrub with several leaning grey-barked trunks.
Landscape
As a specimen or landscape tree.
Cultivation
It is tolerant of heat and humidity and is purported to be deer resistant. Plant in moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil in sun or partial shade. t. Magnolia flowerbuds are susceptible to late-season frosts; shelter large-leaved species from windy locations. Prune in late winter or late summer to prevent bleeding sap; prune minimally to maintain a healthy framework. Avoid digging around the base of the plant as this could harm the thick, fleshy roots. M. ashei is not salt tolerant so avoid planting near roads.
Shape
Broad spreading, with multiple trunks.
Growth
Medium
ID Characteristic
Leaves to 60 cm, large, fragrant white blooms with a purple splotch to 60 cm.
Pests
Magnolia ashei may experience bacterial leaf spot, anthracnose, canker, twig and branch dieback, powdery mildew, fungal spots, weevils, snails, scale insects, thrips and planthoppers.
Habitat
Found in growing in association with M. tripetala, M. acuminata and M. pyramidata, Quercus laurifolia, Cornus Florida, Fagus grandifolia and Ilex opaca in mesic woods and rich upland forest slopes, floodplains and bluffs.
Bark/Stem Description
Smooth grey coloured bark. The twigs have a large, conspicuous stipule.
Leaf Description
Deciduous, from 30 - 60 cm long, alternate, broadly oval, obovate with a sagitate base. The leaves resemble old, brown paper bags when falling to the ground in the autumn. The tree may be evergreen in the far southern reaches of its distribution.
Flower Description
Flowers are perfect, vase-shaped, up to 30 cm wide, pointed upwards, fragrant, white with a purple splotch, with 6 - 8 petals that are pointed. The flowers bloom when the leaves are about 50% developed. The flowers are pollinated by beetles, bees often arrive too late.
Fruit Description
The fruit are cone-like, to 5 cm in length and going from red to brown at maturity. The individual, red seeds are held in small pockets within the cone attached by small treads and ripen in autumn.
References
https://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/SpecimenDetails.aspx?PlantID=1241
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