White Flowering Trees Identification Guide (Fragrant & Large)

White flower identification

 

Well, if you wish to learn about fragrant white flowering trees identification, you are at the right place. But, before that, you must know why you should learn large white flowering trees identification?

 

It is because they add so much freshness to your garden, you can’t afford to miss on them. When you begin to identify white flowering trees, you will notice that there is a lot of varieties in these flowers.

 

Some grow round the year, some are seasonal. Some may grow in tiny bunches whiles others are remarkably large and grow individually.

 

So, when you identify tree with white flowers, you need to see which one you are more driven towards and get them for your home. We will teach you fragrant white flowering trees identification through this guide and enlist the ten best white flowering trees.

 

In This Article:

 

How To Identify Tree With White Flowers?

Here are some factors you can use for large white flowering trees identification.

 

1. Blooming time

To identify the flowering trees, you must note when the tree blooms. For instance, the pear, crabapple, purple leaf plum, star magnolia, mountain-ash, European olive trees, white dogwood, and Carolina silverbell bloom during the spring months.

 

Cherry trees tend to re-bloom during the fall season. Sourwood trees and Natchez Crape Myrtle bloom across the summer months.

 

Sweetbay magnolia, Washington Hawthorn, Catalpa, Southern magnolia, and Kousa dogwood blossom from May through June. Lastly, the Mexican plum tree blossoms from February to March.

 

2. Climate

Climate is a vital factor in large white flowering trees identification. For example, European olive trees and Natchez Crape Myrtle grow in mild winters.

 

On the other hand, the mountain-ash will bloom in colder climates, wherein the temperature is as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, most white flowering trees will bloom in regions wherein the winter temperatures stay above -25 degrees.

 

3. Leaves

You can easily identify the white flowering trees by looking at their leaves. The crabapple is equipped with oval leaves, which are about 2- to 4-inch-long. Their leaves have finely serrated edges and are arranged alternately on the stems.

 

Looking at Catalpa, you will see heart-shaped and very distinct leaves. Their leaves can grow about 12-inches in length.

 

White dogwoods and Kousa have oppositely dark-green, arranged, oval leaves, which go about 3- to 4-inches-long. Southern magnolia has shiny green, leathery leaves on the top end. which grow about 5- to 10-inches long. If you look at their leaves from the flipside, they will be red.

 

Sweetbay magnolia comes with dark-green leaves. Its undersides are mostly silver.

 

4. Size

Another factor for large white flowering trees identification is their size. For instance, the Southern magnolia will grow about 80 feet in height, and the Northern Catalpa will grow as tall as 40 to 60 feet.

 

Trees like the sourwood, cherry, pear, and European olive are about 35 to 40 feet tall. Some others like purple leaf plum, white dogwood, etc grow up to 25 feet.

 

If you ask us which trees have white blossoms and grow only around 15 feet, they would probably be Kousa dogwood, crabapple, or mountain-ash.

 

5. Changing color patterns

Further, the leaves also change their colors in the flowering trees with seasons. Pear tree’s leaves turn orange to reddish-purple during fall months and dark-green in summer. Washington Hawthorn’s leaves are dark-green in summer, reddish purple in spring, and purplish, scarlet, or orange in the fall.

 

Mexican plum’s leaves become poppy orange in the fall, and the European olive tree’s leaves do not change their color. They will remain green across the year. Sourwood usually has glossy-green leaves, but they change color in autumn months to deep scarlet.

 

Another plant that has beautiful purple (commonly) flowers is lilac. Read here how to split the lilac bushes.

 

6. Clustered or a single flower

You can also identify white flowering trees by their flower arrangement. Some have inconspicuous blooms, while others have showy, large, white blossoms. Again, you will have to read which one appears as a single flower and which blossom as clusters for your clear identification. However, typically, the most prevalent white flowering trees you may find in your surroundings are crabapple, autumn cherry, Kousa dogwoods, Carolina silverbell, and Southern and sweet bay magnolias.

 

Why Should You Plant A Tree With White Flowers?

Now that you have learned to identify tree with white flowers, the next question is, why do people like to plant trees with white flowers?

 

  1. Well, firstly it could be a very personal choice. People plant it because they like it.
  2. White flowers compliment the green leaves so well.
  3. White flowers give you a sense of calm, purity and peace.
  4. You can surround your white flowers with any other colored flower or garden accessory and it just goes so well. It all blends in.
  5.  A white garden is very soothing to the eye amongst all the hush hush of the city.

 

Top 10 Trees With White Flowers

Using the tips above, you can easily identify white flowering trees. This guide section will provide you with the ten best trees with white flowers. Then, depending on your personal preferences, you can plant these or any other white flowering trees. So, which trees have white blossoms? Let us find out.

 

1. Sweet Tea

Growing Zones: 7 to 9

 

Gordlinia grandiflora, Sweet Tea, or Mountain Gordlinia is an intergeneric hybrid. What is the fragrant white flowering trees identification for Sweet Tea?

 

It is a rapidly developing hybrid white flowering tree and grows 20′-30′ with a spread of 8′-15′. You can let it grow as a tree or prune it into a multi-stemmed shrub. Those desiring an accent addition in the yard can opt for this white flowering tree.

 

The tree majorly blooms between July to September. You can plant the tree in a place that receives full or partial sun.

 

Read here how to prune geraniums the right way.

 

2. Flowering Dogwood

Growing Zones: 5 to 9

 

What are the flowering trees white flowers identification for Dogwood? Flowering Dogwood or Cornus florid is a beautiful small tree with a broad, pyramidal form.

 

It is mainly found in North America and is famous for its copious spring blooms. The flowers appear like four large white bracts, enveloping the tiny green-gold actual flower clusters. You can see the plant growing to about 15 to 25 feet.

 

An excellent feature of this plant is that it can well-adapt to typically all kinds of growing conditions. To give the plants ideal growing conditions, you must mulch a newly planted tree with multiple inches of bark mulch. This helps the plant restore its moisture.

 

3. Orange Jasmine

Growing Zones: 10 to 12

 

Also known as Murraya paniculata, a warm climate-shrub that grows well in a well-drained and rich loam. For growing well, the plant needs full sun exposure. So, you must plant it only in the area that receives excellent light.

 

To identify tree with white flowers that’s jasmine, you need to watch out for the twisting branches. This large white flowering trees identification isn’t difficult as you will also see small, beautiful, attractive fruits on the plant, followed by flowers.

 

In hardy climates, the Murraya paniculate is planted as a screen or hedge, which grows to about 8 to 12 feet.

 

4. Aesculus Hippocastanum

Hardiness zone – 3 to 8.

 

If you wish to know which trees have white blossoms with a distinct oval shape, these are Horse Chestnut. The bloom time for the flower is May, and during this month, you will see large panicles of flowers appearing on the tree. The flowers space themselves regularly against the well-rounded green leaves.

 

The plant needs a neutral pH soil with medium moisture to grow well. It is ideal for planting Horse Chestnut wherein it can receive full sun to part shade. The plant grows up to 50-75′ and has a 40-65′ spread.

 

What is the fragrant white flowering trees identification for this plant? You will see prominent flowers protruding as a bold spire, pointing towards the sky. Typically, they are white flowers with light pink accents.

 

Please bear in mind even though American chestnut and horse chestnut have similar names, they do not fall under the same genus. The plant looks invariably beautiful and neat and is one of the most impressive white flowering trees. You must plant this tree in an open area to ensure that it grows to its full bloom.

 

5. American elderberry

What are the flowering trees white flowers identification for American elderberry? Formally known as Sambucus canadensis, it is a small tree and has small, white flowers during the spring season.

 

It is a beautiful plant, which is perfect for rain gardens as it is an ideal habitat, given the wet soil in the region. Since the plant grows through suckers, it needs regular pruning. You will see white, lemon-scented flowers on the tree during the blooming season.

 

6. California Buckeye

Hardiness zones – 6 through 8

 

Also known as the Aesculus California, the Native California Buckeye grows well in canyons and slopy regions. What are the flowering trees white flowers identification for California Buckeye? You will see the tree growing to about 10 to 20 feet high.

 

It has a vast spread of 30-foot, and it yields cream-colored flower spikes mainly in the spring season. An excellent thing about this flowering plant is that it is easy to grow. More so, it is a tolerant plant, which well-adapts to all kinds of drought conditions.

 

What’s more? The plant tends to grow on multiple stems, which gives it a shrub-like appearance. However, please bear in mind the flowers, fruits, and seeds of the plant are all toxic.

 

7. Crape Myrtle

If you ask us about our personal favorite, it truly has to be Carpe Myrtle. Also known as Lagerstroemia, this is one of the top-selling flowering trees as it is one plant that can give you something in every season.

 

What are large white flowering trees identification for Carpe Myrtle? In the spring season, you will see giant flowers on the tree. Typically, the flowers stay until late summer. You can get this tree as a multi-trunk or a single-trunk.

 

You can use it as a shade tree in the summer, whereas its foliate becomes bright orange in the fall season.

 

8. Chinese Fringe Tree

Referred to as the Chionanthus Retusus formally, this plant blooms in spring. It is a medium-sized tree, which grows up to 25-30 feet. What is the fragrant white flowering trees identification for Chinese Fringe Tree?

 

The plant has multi-stemmed trees with a wide-spreading, round crown, and these Japanese, Korean, and Chinese natives depict lustrous, elliptic, bright green, and leathery foliage. Chinese Fringe tree produces mildly scented foliage.

 

The large white flowering trees identification can be done with petals that are fringed shape. It thrives well in speckled or sunny locations with slightly acidic, well-drained, fertile, and moist soils.

 

9. Flowering Pear

Formally referred to as the Pyrus calleryana, the plant is native to Asia. How to identify white flowering trees for Flowering Pear? It is a prevalent parking lot or a street plant and is well-adaptable to the harsh weather conditions.

 

The tree is equipped with rounded, small, five-petal flowers. However, the flowers do not smell so good, but if you go near newer cultivators, the flowers smell a little better. The plant is mostly found in the built environment.

 

10. Japanese Snowbell

Growing Zones: 5 to 9

 

Also called the Styrax Japonicus, this plant can grow up to 50′ under the  right weather conditions. Typically, it grows about 20′-30′ with a spread of 20′-30′. The plant needs full or partial sunlight.

 

How to identify tree with white flowers for Japanese Snowball? The plant features a horizontal branch and is equipped with a round crown. Its leaves turn yellow or red during the fall season, and in the May-June months, you will see the plant in full bloom.

 

It has white waxy flowers, which are bell-shaped and small-sized. These flowers do have a mild smell. So, fragrant white flowering trees identification won’t be much of a task. As the plant gets older, its gray bark usually develops fissures, which shows the beautiful orange-hued inner bark. You can plant this tree in your yard or garden or prune for a border.

 
Related: Low Growing Perennials That Bloom All Summer | How To Grow Cosmos From Seeds
 

How To Correctly Identify White Flowering Trees – FAQs

Ques 1. What is the best time to identify a tree with white flowers?

Ans. The best time to identify the trees with white flowers is when the tree is in full bloom and has yet to drop the leaves. You can see several different physical attributes during this time to identify it.

 

Ques 2. What kind of tree has white flowers in the spring?

Ans. Flowering Dogwood is one white flowering tree that grows in the spring months.

 

Ques 3. What is the name of the tree that has big white flowers?

Ans. Magnolia Flower or Magnolia grandiflora is a tree with big white flowers.

 

Ques 4. What tree has white flowers and smells good?

Ans. Gardenia is a tree with white flowers and smells good.

 

Ques 5. Is there a tree recognition app?

Ans. Yes, there is. Leafsnap is a free app that identifies trees for you.

 

You might also like: How To Transplant Gladiolus, Types of Flowers,Winter Flowers
 

Conclusion

Hopefully, the large white flowering trees identification process will be simplified for you using our tips above. Also, now that you have learned flowering trees white flowers identification, it will probably be easier for you to pick the suitable variants for you.

 

Please remember that we have enlisted only 10 of the many remarkable white blooming species available out there. You can find the white bloom trees in every shape, size, bloom time, and growing requirement.

 

So, do take note of this when you go around looking for the white flowering trees for your garden. Identify tree with white flowers and always pick one that will cater to your visual appeal desire and survive well in the growing conditions available in your garden. Happy Planting!