Magnolia fordiana, commonly known as Ford’s Magnolia, is an evergreen tree native to the subtropical forests of southern China, including Hainan, and northern Vietnam. It is typically found in hilly or mountainous areas, often beside rivers or in moist forested valleys, at elevations ranging from 984 to 3,937 feet. This species can reach up to 82 feet in height and is characterized by a straight trunk with a broad, rounded crown. The leaves are large, glossy, and leathery, contributing to the tree’s dense foliage. Ford’s Magnolia produces large, fragrant, white flowers that bloom in the spring and are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and beetles.

Ford’s Magnolia is valued for its ornamental features, including its impressive stature, evergreen leaves, and large, aromatic flowers. It is commonly used as a street tree in southern Chinese cities due to its tolerance of urban conditions and its ability to provide year-round shade and visual interest. In cultivation, it requires well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. While it is not commonly available in the nursery trade outside its native region, it is sometimes grown in botanical gardens and arboreta for its horticultural and educational value. Care should be taken when planting near buildings or pavement, as its roots can be expansive and potentially disruptive.CC BY-SA 4.0