Magnolia fraseri – Fraser or Mountain Magnolia – 1-Gallon

A smaller-leaved relative of Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) that hails mostly from higher elevations of the Southern Appalachian Mts, hence an alternative common name “Mountain Magnolia.” It’s extremely rare in horticulture despite having a number of excellent ornamental features: it’s the first native Magnolia to bloom, with large, white, fragrant flowers that contrast beautifully with bronzey-green young leaves. In a cool Spring flowers can take on lemon yellow tones. Long, rosy red fruit aggregates (follicetums) are ornamental, splitting to reveal seeds coated in an orange-red, fleshy, and oily aril – birds eat the seeds for the aril, then disperse the seeds in their droppings. Fall foliage color won’t knock your socks off, but is among the best of any Magnolia, from brown or brick red to a more orangey pumpkin-pie color.