Ashe magnolia is a small tree with wide-spreading branches native to only a few counties in Florida and Texas. Considered by some to be a more diminutive variety of bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla ), this species has exotic-looking leaves over 15" long and very large, fragrant white, six-petaled flowers. The bases of the three inner petals have triangular purple blotches. The outer petals have pale yellow splotches dotted with purple. It produces bumpy cylindrical follicles studded with dark red seeds.

Members of the genus Magnolia are known for the stunning beauty of their usually large flowers, which emerge prior to the foliage in spring, and are often fragrant. While shades of pink are the most common bloom color, the Magnoliapalette also includes white, yellows and purples. Another dominant feature is a prominent fruiting body of small follicles forming a cone-like shape. The species range from small trees to very large trees and shrubs.

Magnolias are an ancient genus that appeared before bees; early pollinators are believed to have been beetles. They are native to eastern and southeastern Asia and eastern North America, Central and South America; most are not hardy in the Chicago region. Buds and blooms of the magnolias that do thrive here are often subject to damage from cold spring nights. The genus includes 300 species and numerous hybrids and cultivars. The Chicago Botanic Garden's collection includes almost 60 varieties of magnolia and more than 150 plants.