A deciduous large shrub or small tree, the saucer magnolia is sometimes also called the tulip tree, a moniker it shares with the tulip poplar. The saucer magnolia is an early bloomer, its large flowers appearing on bare branches in March or April, before even its leaves. These flowers are characterized by their large cupped petals, which are shades of white, pink, and purple, and have a soft, floral fragrance. The saucer magnolia’s height and width vary with cultivar, but reach a maximum of 30 ft. tall and 25 ft. wide, with younger trees often growing narrowly upward and older trees growing outward.
While all magnolia tree petals are edible, saucer magnolia petals are known for having a slightly gingery flavor, and are popular as a forage for salads, condiments (such as pickling), candies, and tea. Congressional Cemetery mainly has saucer magnolias around the September 11th Healing Poles.
Cross between Magnolia denudata x Magnolia liliiflora
CULTIVAR: Alexandrina
FAMILY: Pinaceae
NATIVE STATUS: Native
NATIVE RANGE: Southeastern United States
FOLIAGE: Evergreen
MAX. HEIGHT: 30 ft.
MAX. AGE: 200 yrs.
Stop #9 on the Congressional Tree Walk
