Lily Tree, Yulan Magnolia
Magnolia denudata

Family: Magnoliaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded, Spreading or horizontal.

Magnolia denudata is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from March to May, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Beetles. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 10

Where it is found

Found in thickets, the trees are often cut down and sprouting from the base. Forests at elevations of 500 - 1000 metres.

E. Asia - E. and S. China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The flowers, after the calyx has been removed, are pickled and used for flavouring rice.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 2

Tonic. The flower buds and the seeds are carminative and diaphoretic. The flower buds are antifungal, astringent, cytotoxic, hypotensive and a uterie stimulant. They are used in Korea in the treatment of headaches, nasal obstruction and sinusitis. They are picked in early spring, dried and then used in Chinese medicine to clear the nasal passages. The plant is anodyne and sedative.

Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.

Antifungal: An agent that inhibits or destroys fungi. Used in the treatment of various fungal problems such as candida.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.

Cytotoxic: Destroys body cells. Used in the treatment of diseases such as cancer, where it is targeted against the cancer cells.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Hypotensive: Reduces blood pressure, it is used in the treatment of high blood pressure

Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Uterine tonic: A tonic for the uterus. See also oxytoxic.

Other

Rating:

Espalier: A tree or other plant that is trained to grow flat against a support (such as a trellis or wall).

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Espalier, Firewood, Pest tolerant, Specimen. Best grown in a warm position in a moderately rich free soil of an open texture. Succeeds in an acid or neutral peaty soil in sun or part shade. Tolerates alkaline soils so long as they are deep and rich in humus. The branches are brittle so a sheltered position is required. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution. A very ornamental tree, it is hardy to about -20°c when dormant but plants can be excited into early growth by mild winters and the flowers are then liable to be killed by frost. The flowers, which begin to be produced when the plant is quite young, are deliciously scented. The fleshy roots are easily damaged and any transplanting is best done during a spell of mild moist weather in late spring. Special Features: Not North American native, Fragrant flowers, Blooms are very showy.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed must be kept cold over the winter and should be sown in late winter in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in the spring but it can take 18 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse for at least their first winter. They can be planted out into their permanent positions when they are more than 15cm tall, though should be well mulched and given some protection from winter cold for their first winter or two outdoors. Layering in early spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

M. conspicua. Salisb. M. heptapeta. (Buch-Hoz.)Dandy.