GOLDEN CHAMPACA
Michelia champaca
FAMILY Magnoliaceae
SYNONYMS
Magnolia champaca
ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES
JOY PERFUME TREE
YELLOW CHAMPACA
FRAGRANT CHAMPACA
FRAGRANT HIMALAYAN CHAMPACA
See: all Michelia
GENERAL INFO
Flowers are used to make some of the most expensive perfume in the world.
Native range: China and Western HimalayasHorticultural use: Screen or Container
Native range: China and Western HimalayasHorticultural use: Screen or Container
TREE CHARACTERISTICS
Tree Shape: RoundedFoliage Type: EvergreenMaximum Tree Height: 25 feetCanopy Width: 10-25 feetGrowth Rate: ~12 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, SimpleLeaf Shape: OvalLeaf color: Light GreenFlowers: Showy, FragrantFlower Color: YellowFlower Time: Winter, Spring or SummerFruit: Medium Red or Mostly Green FollicleFruiting time: SummerBark Color: Light Gray to Green to Brown, SmoothLitter Type: Dry Fruit, Flowers
SITE CONDITIONS
Recommended Planting Area: 4' to 7'Water Use Rating: MediumSunset Climate Zone: 16 - 24Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 10, 11Soil Texture: Loam or SandSoil pH: Slightly Acidic to Slightly AcidicSalt Tolerance: ModerateWind Resistance: Medium Low
CONSIDERATIONS
Branch Strength: MediumRoot Damage Potential: LowPotential health issues: No known hazardsDisease and Pest susceptibility: ArmillariaUtility Friendly: No
External Resources
CITE THIS TREE
"SelecTree. UFEI. "Michelia champaca Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal
Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Jun 24, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/1498 >
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/1498 >
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