Ashe Magnolia

Highlights

The Ashe magnolia is an extremely rare plant, native only to Florida. It is a shrubby tree with large leaves and flowers, found in a unique type of wetland known as a bayhead. This unique habitat thrives in the wetter corners of your garden, where other trees struggle to survive. The massive flowers emit a citrus-and-jasmine fragrance to attract their main pollinators: beetles.

Is Ashe magnolia right for my yard?

Plant it if…

• You live in Florida. Ashe magnolia is native specifically to your state, so it is perfectly suited to the climate.
• You have acidic soil. The natural soil conditions for Ashe magnolia can be highly acidic, so it can handle your garden without issue.
• You have a sheltered spot in your garden. Your house and any large trees nearby can act as a windbreak to protect Ashe magnolia’s large leaves.
• You want fragrant flowers. Ashe magnolia is pollinated by beetles, so it produces a strong, pleasant scent.
• Your climate includes high humidity. Ashe magnolia is native to a subtropical climate, so it handles humidity well.
• You want a beautiful, rare magnolia species.

Skip it if…

• Your area is prone to drought. While Ashe magnolia is less fussy about wet feet than other magnolia species, it hates drought and dryness.
• You live in the northern part of the United States. Ashe magnolia is native to Florida, so it cannot handle harsh winters.
• You live near the sea or below sea level. Ashe magnolia is sensitive to salt spray and salty winds.

Ashe magnolia is extremely rare, being native exclusively to Florida. Not only that, but they occur in very specific habitats known as bayheads. Bayheads are a specific type of wetland, characterized as a shallow valley or swale with a few inches of standing water. These habitats were named for the abundance of the sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) within them. However, they also make a suitable habitat for the Ashe magnolia.

Why Ashe magnolia matters

With flowers that can reach 10 inches in diameter, it’s no wonder that the Garden Club of America chose Ashe magnolia as the 2017 Plant of the Year. It is a rare beauty, found only in specific habitats within a single state.

In terms of garden value, the flowers of Ashe magnolia are certainly the star of the show. Their size and white color make them eye-catching, but that’s not all. They are also very fragrant; the smell described as that of citrus or jasmine. This fragrance is actually due to a unique pollinator relationship, as magnolias evolved before bees did. Without bees to act as pollinators, magnolias turned to beetles instead. The beetles feed on pollen, so the flower developed to resist damage from their mandibles. In other words, you can thank beetles for that beautiful smell magnolias are known for.

The fruit of Ashe magnolia is also very showy. The reddish, pinkish, or even purple fruit is known as an aggregate. Aggregates are formed when a plant produces multiple fruit from the same flower, which fuse together into a single structure. Within the aggregate, there are fruit known as follicles. These follicles eventually split open to reveal bright red seeds that feed the local wildlife. The floral display might end after June, but the interest Ashe magnolia provides won’t. These fruit and seeds will continue to provide a pop of color to your landscape for months to come.

Where Ashe magnolia shines in your yard

• Near stream banks and pond edges: Ashe magnolia is native to certain types of wetlands, so planting it near water will mimic its natural habitat.
• Specimen tree: Plant Ashe magnolia somewhere the huge leaves and flowers can impress. The smaller stature makes the flowers more visible, making it perfect for showing off to your neighbors.
• Shade tree: While far from the tallest magnolia, the large leaves of Ashe magnolia can still provide some cooling shade during the summer.
• Shade gardens: Ashe magnolia has large leaves that cast heavy shade, so it acts as a centerpiece for a shade garden.
• Scent or sensory gardens: Pair it with other plants that engage the senses for a pleasant garden experience.

Related species

Ashe magnolia was originally considered a subspecies of bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla), along with another species. However, they were later reclassified as their own species. The most major differences are native range, though there are some variations in appearance as well.

• Bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla): A much larger species than Ashe magnolia, boasting the largest leaves and flowers of any tree in North America. It has a wider native range as well, including the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions.
• Cloudforest magnolia (Magnolia dealbata): The other former subspecies of bigleaf magnolia. It is native to Mexico, occurring high up in mountains that are constantly shrouded in fog. This is where the common name comes from.

How to grow Ashe magnolia

Where to plant

While full sun is ideal for growth, a little bit of afternoon shade will prevent scorched leaves under the hot summer sun. Good drainage is also essential, so sandy soil is preferable. Additionally, if you can situate it in a spot that is sheltered from the wind, that will help protect it from damage to the leaves.

Spacing

Leave about 24 feet of space for Ashe magnolia. It may be a short tree, but the large leaves will need space to spread out.

Watering

Ashe magnolia may require regular watering until it is established. After that, it should thrive as long as the soil stays moist. It can tolerate brief dry periods, but pay extra attention to it to prevent wilting.

When to plant

Late fall is the best time to plant Ashe magnolia, as it goes dormant during winter. By planting it during dormancy, the roots are given time to establish before the flowering season begins. Early spring is also a possibility, but the summer heat could be an issue.

What pairs well with Ashe magnolia?

The leaves of the Ashe magnolia will cast a deep shade on nearby plants, so shade-loving groundcovers and perennials make ideal companions. Additionally, tall or dense trees planted nearby can act as a windbreak.

Where can I buy Ashe magnolia?

Ashe magnolia is a very rare plant, so it can be hard to obtain. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) lists Ashe magnolia as an endangered species. While it is not considered a commercially exploited plant, its harvest and sale is still regulated. The Florida Native Plant Society recommends ensuring the nursery you buy Ashe magnolia from has proper permits. These permits are important to maintain sustainability in the harvest of endangered species. Here is a list of places to seek out an Ashe magnolia for your yard:

Potential challenges with Ashe magnolia

The leaves

While the leaves of Ashe magnolia are one of its most attractive characteristics, it also presents certain challenges. The leaves can be high maintenance, being prone to wind damage and decomposing slowly in the fall when they drop. These are easily fixed, however. To protect the leaves, you can plant Ashe magnolia in an area that is protected by trees or other structures. Even your house can be a shield from the wind. As for the leaf drop, planting tall groundcovers that are not easily buried will prevent the mess. The leaves will fall beneath, where they can decompose out of sight.

Weak wood

Ashe magnolia has weak wood and branches that are easily damaged, which can create vulnerability to rot and other diseases. To prevent this, plant it away from walkways or areas that are frequently mowed. This way, lawn equipment or human activity won’t damage the bark. Pruning dead or damaged branches can also protect the health of your tree.

Plant nerd fact

Ashe magnolia was named Plant of the Year in 2017.

Each year, the Garden Club of America chooses a plant to be nominated for Plant of the Year. This award is given to underrated plants, chosen for their ornamental or ecological value, in hopes of encouraging more plantings in the future. Plant of the Year winners are also awarded the Freeman Horticulture Medal, and in 2017, this honor went to the Ashe magnolia. Ashe magnolia was selected for its beautiful white flowers and glossy green leaves, as well as its value for pollinators. The Garden Club of America considered this plant an “ideal specimen” for small gardens, praising both its beauty and resilience.

Where it once sat in its big sister’s shadow, Ashe magnolia steps into the light as a species of its own. It may be smaller than the bigleaf magnolia, but it is no less stunning. Ashe magnolia has flowers that fall just short of a foot wide, with brightly colored fruit following a fragrant floral display. But it brings more than just ornamental value to the table: both fruit and flower provide food for local wildlife. If you want an underrated southern beauty in your garden, Ashe magnolia may be for you.

If you want to learn about other magnolias, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Native Magnolias. Interested in other native trees? Head over to The Best Native Trees For Front Yards. Happy planting!

Explore more native magnolia profiles

• Ashe Magnolia
• Bigleaf Magnolia
• Cucumber Magnolia
• Magnolias
• Mountain Magnolia
• Southern Magnolia
• Sweetbay Magnolia
• Umbrella Magnolia

Written by

Kat William Hiland

Contributor, Horticultural Therapist In-Training

Kat (or Liam) is a native Ohioan transplanted to Philadelphia for school. Their interest in native plants began with a fascination with floral symbolism. They discovered their love of horticulture in high school, and are now studying it at Temple University after a two year vocational program. Their favorite flower is any species of magnolia.

More about Kat

Updated September 28, 2026Find more: White · Acidic · Tree · Spring · Summer · Full Sun · Part Sun · Moist

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