Magnolia obovata, commonly known as Japanese Whitebark Magnolia, is a deciduous tree native to cool temperate forests in Japan. It can reach a height of 15–30 meters and is notable for its slate grey bark and robust stature. The leaves are large, obovate, and a vibrant green, contributing to its lush appearance. The flowers, which bloom in early summer after the leaves have fully expanded, are particularly showy. They are large, cup-shaped, and measure 15–20 cm in diameter, featuring 9-12 creamy, fleshy tepals with contrasting red stamens. The flowers emit a strong, pleasant fragrance that can be a highlight in any garden during their blooming season. The fruit is an oblong-cylindric aggregate of follicles, 12–20 cm long and 6 cm broad, maturing to a bright pinkish-red, with each follicle containing one or two black seeds encased in a fleshy orange-red coating.

The Japanese Whitebark Magnolia is valued for its striking flowers, architectural form, and the ornamental fruit that follows the flowering season. It is often used as a specimen tree in large gardens and parks. This magnolia prefers full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water, thriving in soils with medium drainage. While it is not overly demanding, it does best in slightly acidic to neutral soil that is rich and loamy. Gardeners should be aware that it may require protection from strong winds and late frosts, which can damage the flowers. There are no major disease or pest issues, but it can suffer from leaf spot and canker if grown in poor conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0