A medium-sized tree found on most fertile sites in the Appalachians. It is the largest and most northerly of the native magnolias. Leaves are deciduous, about 7", ovate-elliptical and entire to slightly repand. Twigs are moderately stout and glabrous. Buds are silvery and silky. Fruit is glabrous. Bark is brownish-gray with shallow fissures and narrow, flaky ridges.