Star Magnolia

Researched by Ally Reagle

Species: Magnolia stellata

Coordinates:  39.70726549 -75.11694579

Tree Tag: 382
A tag using this number is placed near the tree.

The Magnolia stellata, more commonly called the star magnolia, is endemic to the Tokai region of central Japan. This tree was introduced to the United States in the 1860s and features eye-catching and fragrant blooms in the spring. Since then, horticulturists have selectively bred varieties that alter the flower shape, color, and bloom time. These varieties, or cultivars, typically have their epithet, meaning you may hear them referred to by a different common name to distinguish between the types. For example, the waterlily magnolia blooms about two weeks later than the original star magnolia, but it is a variation of the star magnolia.

The star magnolia can be grown as a large shrub or pruned into a small tree. A healthy star magnolia will grow 15-20 feet tall with a canopy between 10-15 feet, making them ideal ornamental trees for front yards and gardens. The main trunk has a silvery/gray hue, whereas the lower twigs protruding out of the side of the trunk are more of a chestnut brown color.

In autumn, the leaves will turn yellowish bronze before dying off and falling to the ground. The tree has wooly, fuzzy buds that stay all winter. The fur coating protects these soon-to-be flowers, which display during a three-week period early each spring. Each flower typically has 12-18 petals, but some cultivars can have up to 30. The blooms are soon replaced by dark green leaves in the summer. Later in the summer, the plant produces bright pink aggregated fruit capsules that burst open to reveal orange seeds. Many people plant Star magnolias because of how early this tree blooms; it can signify that spring is coming. However, this also makes them very susceptible to frost damage. Read More