Sub-species
subsp. ashei syn. Magnolia ashei
This tree to large shrub can attain a height of 20m (60ft) tall but is more commonly much smaller. It has glossy green leaves that are glaucous on the underside up to 600mm (2ft) long and the saucer-shaped white flowers are up to 250mm (9¾in) wide with the tepals marked at the base in maroon.

Cultivars
'Sara Gladney'
This tree is simular to the species and produces pure white flowers over a long period. There are no purplish marks at the base of the tepals.

'Whopper'
This tree is simular to the species and produces pure white flowers with purplish markings up to 450mm (18in) wide and has very large leaves to 1m (3ft) long.