Family: Magnoliaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Magnolia wilsonii, commonly known as Wilson’s magnolia, is a small deciduous tree or large shrub native to south-central China and northeastern Myanmar. It is admired for its graceful form, broad green leaves, and fragrant white flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. The nodding flowers feature distinctive crimson stamens, giving the tree a delicate and ornamental appearance. Because of its manageable size and attractive blooms, Wilson’s magnolia is grown as a specimen tree in gardens, botanical collections, and shaded landscape settings in temperate regions.

Risks & Threats:
Wilson’s magnolia is considered a low risk species for Hawaii. It is not known to naturalize aggressively or spread into native ecosystems, and there is little evidence that it poses invasive threats in tropical island environments. The species reproduces relatively slowly and is generally dependent on cultivated garden conditions. As with many ornamental plants, responsible planting and monitoring are encouraged, but current information suggests this tree presents minimal ecological concern and can be an appropriate choice for ornamental planting where climate conditions are suitable.

High Risk Traits:

• Grows in tropical climates
  
• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Bird-dispersed seed

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of naturalization or invasiveness found
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Does not spread vegetatively
  
• Reaches reproductive maturity after 4 or more years