Buds are valvate with two overlapping scales. The terminal bud is much larger than the lateral buds.
Leaves are alternate with entire leaf margins.
Stipular scars encircle the twig. Flowers are usually perfect, terminal, large, and showy. Fruit consists of numerous carpels developing into a cone-like structure. Several magnolias are planted on lawns and in parks for their attractive flowers and foliage. The one most commonly planted is Magnolia 3soulangeana, which has attractive purplish-pink flowers early in spring before the leaves develop.