Magnolias Plant Directory

Magnolia biondii
Hardy to zone 8.
A small deciduous tree, reaching 55 feet tall with smooth gray bark. Young branchlets are densely covered with hairs.
Flowers: The pinkish-purple lemon scented flowers bloom before the attractive shiny foliage appearsvand reach 4 inches diameter. The spring buds resemble giant pussy willows.
February to March.
Leaves: 5-7 inches long, oblong to elliptic, dark green and smooth above, bright green and fuzzy below.
Native to woodlands and open areas Sichuan and surrounding provinces of China at 2000-11000 feet, the most northern Chinese magnolia.
Very rare in cultivation.
Prefer rich, moist soil and partial shade.
The aromatic bark known as Hou Po is used in traditional Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory, for digestive disorders, as a stimulant, and to promote sweating.