We had one of these when I was a kid living in northern Ohio, far from the deep south! It was a great tree to sit in, and was a pretty good size, so it must have been happy that far north. It was always the first thing I saw blooming in the spring, before the rest of the trees in the neighborhood were even thinking of putting out leaves. I do remember, though, that when the blooms were done, they petals fell all over the driveway and stank if we didn't sweep them up right away. So there's your scent :)

I'm glad you posted this. I always wondered why, when someone here said, "Magnolia," the tree they were talking about looked different than the one I grew up with. I have to say I like mine (and yours) better! Now I know what it's called. I might find one to plant in my yard.

It's funny but I always have called that a tulip tree. Very lovely for two weeks a year!

This peaked my curiosity so I decided to look it up. People here also have called them tulip trees.

Turns out that tulip trees are a type of magnolia.

Learn something new every day!

Saucer Magnolia. I have one that is called a Jane Magnolia

Tulip trees grow much Taller & don't "spread" a much as Magnolias. Also all their flowers are usually at the top of the tree.

If anybody see this I'm new & have a question I don't know where to ask. How do I get back to the list of Garden Forums w/o scrolling back through every page I've gone to?

Saucer Magnolia and yes Tulip trees much bigger