Houpu Magnolia
Magnolia officinalis, family Magnoliaceae
A Chinese mountain magnolia valued for its fragrant white flowers and aromatic bark
Houpu Magnolia is a deciduous tree native to the mountains and valleys of China. It grows up to 20 meters tall and produces large, fragrant white flowers in late spring. The bark is aromatic and has a long history of use in Chinese traditions.
- Native to China's mountain valleys at 300–1500 meters elevation
- Produces large, fragrant white flowers in late spring
- Aromatic bark is harvested for traditional Chinese use
- Two main forms differ in leaf tip shape
What does Houpu Magnolia look like?
Houpu Magnolia is a tall, leaf-shedding tree that can reach 20 meters in height. Its leaves are broad and oval, ranging from 20 to 40 centimeters long. The tree produces white, strongly scented flowers that are 10 to 15 centimeters across, each with 9 to 12 (sometimes up to 17) petal-like parts called tepals. The bark is thick and brown, remaining smooth rather than splitting as the tree ages.
Where does Houpu Magnolia come from?
This magnolia species is found in China's mountain and valley regions, growing at elevations between 300 and 1500 meters. While it is closely related to Magnolia obovata, it can be told apart by the rounded base of its fruit clusters. There are two main forms: one with pointed leaf tips, and another with notched leaves, the latter known only from cultivated trees. The tree has been recognized for generations in China, both in the wild and in managed plantings.
When and how Houpu Magnolia blooms
The tree blooms in May and June, producing its large white flowers as the new leaves emerge. It thrives in mountain climates and is now mostly grown in cultivation rather than collected from the wild. The bark, prized for its aroma, is carefully removed from the stems, branches, and roots for traditional uses.
How Houpu Magnolia is used
The bark of Houpu Magnolia is collected and dried for use in Chinese practices, where it is called 'hou po.' It is valued for its strong fragrance and is traditionally used to address certain conditions, such as dampness and fullness, according to Chinese custom. Today, cultivated trees are the main source of this bark.
Kinds of Houpu Magnolia
There are two recognized forms: Magnolia officinalis var. officinalis, with sharply pointed leaf tips, and Magnolia officinalis var. biloba, which has leaves with a notched tip and is only found in cultivation. The differences between these and related species are subtle, mainly in the shape of the fruit base.
What Houpu Magnolia means
Houpu Magnolia holds a place in Chinese tradition, especially for its bark, which has been used for generations. While it is not a national emblem, it is well known in China for its role in traditional practices. The tree is also noted for its fragrant spring flowers, which are appreciated in gardens and collections.
Where Houpu Magnolia is used and seen
Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical GardensA historic garden and zoo in Central, Hong Kong with themed plant collections
Kórnik ArboretumPoland’s oldest and largest collection of trees and shrubs, near Kórnik Castle
Holden ArboretumA vast botanical garden and arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio
New Orleans Botanical GardenA public garden in City Park with themed plant collections and art deco features
Powell GardensA 970-acre botanical garden near Kansas City, Missouri
Mendocino Coast Botanical GardensA coastal garden in Mendocino County, California with ocean views and diverse plantings
South China National Botanical GardenA major botanical garden in Guangzhou with diverse plant collections and research focus
Sim's Park, CoonoorA century-old botanical garden in the Nilgiri hills of Tamil NaduQuestions people ask about Houpu Magnolia
Where does Houpu Magnolia come from?
Houpu Magnolia is native to the mountains and valleys of China, where it grows at elevations between 300 and 1500 meters.
What does Houpu Magnolia look like?
It is a deciduous tree that can reach 20 meters tall, with broad, oval leaves and large, white, fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring.
How is Houpu Magnolia used?
The aromatic bark is collected and used in Chinese traditions, especially in practices that value its strong scent and believed properties.
Are there different types of Houpu Magnolia?
Yes, there are two main forms: one with pointed leaf tips and another with notched leaves, the latter only found in cultivated trees.
What is the significance of Houpu Magnolia in culture?
It is important in Chinese tradition for its aromatic bark, which has been collected and used for generations.
Good reading and sources
- IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesIUCN Red List, Article
- Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
- Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
- Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database
- Magnolia officinalis on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Magnolia officinalis", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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