Magnolia trees are known for their large, fragrant flowers and glossy leaves. Their distinctive appearance makes them easy to identify. However there are several other tree species that have similar characteristics to magnolias and could potentially be mistaken for them on first glance. Here is a guide to trees that resemble magnolia trees.
Tulip Tree
The tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is often confused with magnolia trees due to its large, tulip-like flowers The flowers have an orange band at the base of the yellow petals, giving them a two-toned appearance The leaves are also similar – glossy and oval-shaped. However, tulip tree leaves have four lobes rather than being a simple oval like magnolia leaves.
Saucer Magnolia
Saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana) is a magnolia variety that is more shrub-like. It produces cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white. The flower shape and the smaller growth habit cause some people to mistake it for a completely different tree rather than a magnolia variety.
Cornelian Cherry
The cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) produces masses of small yellow flowers in early spring before leaves emerge. From a distance, these look somewhat similar to magnolia flowers. However, close inspection reveals the flowers are much smaller and the lack of large magnolia-type leaves confirms it is not a magnolia tree.
American Fringetree
Also known as Grancy graybeard, the American fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) has branches covered in delicate white blooms in spring. These loosely resemble magnolia flowers. However, the leaves are opposite rather than alternate and the growth habit is more multi-stemmed shrub than single-trunked tree.
Crabapple
Some varieties of flowering crabapple (Malus spp.) produce abundant light pink blooms that look vaguely similar to certain magnolia varieties. However, crabapple flowers tend to be smaller with five distinct petals. The leaves are also toothed rather than having smooth margins like magnolia.
Loquat
The loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) has thick, dark green leaves that resemble magnolia leaves. The white flowers also bloom in panicles that can appear magnolia-like from afar. Up close, the small, five-petaled nature of the flowers gives away the fact that it is not a magnolia.
Sweetbay Magnolia
Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) is an evergreen magnolia variety with smaller, more delicate flowers than the classic southern magnolia. It is multi-stemmed like a shrub. For these reasons, some mistake it for a totally different species rather than a magnolia variety. The white flowers and smooth margined leaves confirm its magnolia identity.
I Dogwood Trees
Dogwoods, which are in the genus Cornus, are another large group. They include many different plants, from 6 foot tall shrubs with many stems to 40 foot tall trees, some that can handle cold weather and others that do better in warmer places. There is a dogwood for everyone!
- As early as March, the Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas) blooms with groups of small, star-shaped yellow flowers, before the forsythias do. It has tart but edible red berries that birds love. The glossy green leaves turn bright red in the fall. It can grow up to 20 feet tall. Hardy in Zones 4-8.
- Pagoda Dogwood (C. alternifolia) is native to North America and has spreading, tiered branches that are covered in flat, white flowers in the spring. After these come dark blue berries that birds can’t resist. In the fall, the green leaves turn a deep maroon color. There are different types of plants, like the green and white Argentea or the green and yellow Golden Shadows. They don’t care about light, and they do well in both full sun and full shade. They can grow up to 25 feet tall and more than 30 feet wide, and they can handle being outside in Zones 3–7.
Pagoda dogwood flowers profusely, even in shade.
- Kousa Dogwood (C. kousa) is one of the most popular flowering trees for home gardens. It comes from Japan and has pointy white flower bracts in early summer. From late summer to fall, it has red fruit. It’s interesting in all four seasons thanks to its purple-red fall leaves and peeling bark. If you want pink flowers, choose “Satomi.” It blooms a little later than the white types. They can survive in Zones 5–8 and grow to be 15–25 feet tall.
The actual “flower” on a kousa dogwood is in the middle of the four white bracts.
- Flowering Dogwood (C. florida) is a native tree that looks a lot like the kousa dogwood. It has pink or white flower bracts in the spring, red fruits, red-purple leaves in the fall, and rough bark. It grows 30 feet tall and does well in some shade and slightly acidic soil. Hardy in Zones 5-9.
Flowering trees to add color to your landscape!
Magnolia, dogwood, and viburnum are three groups of plants that will not let you down if you are looking for the perfect flowering tree or shrub to add fun to your yard.
More than 100 species are in the genus Magnolia. Some are from North America and others are from Asia. Most people think of magnolias as plants that grow in the south, but there are also types that grow well in the north. In fact, there is a magnolia for most of the country, from the Northeast to Southern California. All of them need well-drained soil, rich in organic matter and a sunny location sheltered from harsh winds.
- Magnolia stellata, or Star Magnolia, which is native to Japan is the hardiest and can live in Zones 4 to 9. Their white or pink flowers smell nice and open early in the spring, before the leaves come out. It can grow as a 10 to 15-foot-tall shrub or be cut back to one or two stems and shaped into the shape of a tree. Each flower has 25 to 35 petals. Look for ‘Centennial’ or ‘Royal Star’.
Star magnolia blossoms cover the tree in early spring before the tree leafs out.
- Hybrid magnolias called “Elizabeth” and “Yellow Bird” have yellow flowers, which is not usually found in magnolias. Their roots were found at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. They can grow to be 20 to 40 feet tall and can survive in Zones 5 to 8.
- Saucer Magnolias (M. x soulangeana) have big, fragrant flowers that look like tulips and can be white, pink, purple, or a mix of the two. Some cultivars grow into big shrubs, while others turn into big, spreading trees over time. ‘Alexandrina’ has purple buds that open to cup-shaped pink and white flowers that are 6 to 10 inches across. It grows to be 20 to 30 feet tall and can handle Zones 5-8. “Genie” is a reblooming saucer magnolia that has a flush of deep purple flowers early in the spring and then new flowers all summer long. It’s a small bush that grows to 15 feet tall and can handle Zones 5 through 9.
Saucer magnolia is sometimes called tulip tree for the shape of its blossoms.
- Southern Magnolia (M. grandiflora) is native to the southeastern US. These plants are beautiful. They have glossy, evergreen leaves and big, creamy-white flowers that smell amazing. Southern magnolias can get very big, up to 80 feet tall and 40 feet wide, so give them a lot of space. If you don’t have a lot of room, look for a compact variety like “Little Gem.” They can grow in Zones 6–10 and can handle full sun or part shade.
When planting any magnolia, be sure you are happy with its location. They have extensive root systems and don’t like to be moved.
Avoid These 5 Five Mistakes When Growing and Planting Magnolias
FAQ
What tree is similar to a magnolia tree?
What plants look like magnolias?
What trees are in the magnolia family?
How do I know if I have a magnolia tree?
What do magnolia flowers look like?
Magnolia flowers are either star-shaped or bowl-shaped, like tulips, and can grow up to 12” (30 cm) across. The most common color of magnolia flowers is white or pink. However, magnolia trees also produce flowers that are purple, green, or even yellow. Each magnolia variety has its own distinctive bloom that helps with tree identification.
Do magnolia trees have flowers?
Overall, magnolia trees are a beautiful and versatile addition to any landscape, providing stunning flowers, pleasant fragrances, and a variety of other benefits. Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana) is a cherished deciduous tree with fragrant, abundant flowers in early to mid-spring.
What are the best types of Magnolia?
Find the best types of magnolia for your yard with this guide. Southern magnolia ( Magnolia grandiflora) is a large evergreen tree that’s native to the southeastern United States. The 10- to 12-inch-wide white flowers bloom in summer. The flowers are followed by brown fruits with bright red seeds.
What is a magnolia tree?
Magnolia is a genus of large flowering shrubs or trees in the family Magnoliaceae. Magnolia grows as a multi-stemmed shrub or a single trunk tree. The beautiful landscape tree is characterized by its fragrant flowers, glossy, leathery leaves, and cone-like fruits. There are some 125 species of magnolia suitable for growing in most zones.