Magnolia grandiflora is a medium to large evergreen tree which may grow 37m tall. It typically has a single stem (or trunk) and a pyramidal shape.The leaves are simple and broadly ovate, 12–20 cm with smooth margins. They are dark green, stiff, and leathery, and often scurfy underneath with yellow-brown pubescence.

The large, showy, lemon citronella-scented flowers are white, up to 30 cm (11+3⁄4 in) across and fragrant, with six to 12 petals with a waxy texture, emerging from the tips of twigs on mature trees in late spring.^[8]