Plant Details

Magnolia grandiflora, Magnolia spp.

Magnolia, Bull Bay

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Magnolia grandiflora, Magnolia spp..

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Common names

5 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Bull Bay
  • Magnolia
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • beverboom
  • Magnolia
French
  • Magnolia
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Magnolia grandiflora, Magnolia spp.
Botanical family: Magnoliaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Magnolia (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Magnolia, Bull Bay

Plant characteristics

Layer: Tree
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 10.00 m
Growth rate: Moderate
Foliage: Deciduous

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 6-10
Soil moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun, Partial shade

Uses

Edible parts:
Flowers
Edibility rating:
(2)
Medicinal rating:
(2)
Functions:
Wood

Description

The flowers are pickled in some parts of England and are considered a delicacy due to their excellent taste. It is said that they are also used as a spice and as a flavoring.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/09
Harvest ends: 30/11

Crown

Crown shape: Narrow pyramidal
Crown density: Dense crown

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 1046439; name ID 117422; Magnolia Plum. ex L.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.