Sign 20
Star Magnolia
Magnolia stellata
- Bloom Time:
- March–April
- Family:
- Magnolia (Magnoliaceae)
- Form:
- Tree, Deciduous
Tree
Description: The Star Magnolia blooms in early spring, before its leaves open. Its fragrant white flowers, sometimes tinged with pink, form a star-like shape and attract bees and other pollinators. It’s a deciduous tree approximately 15-20’ tall x 10-15’ wide.
Magnolias are among Earth’s oldest flowering plants, and their flowers evolved to be pollinated by beetles. In Japan, Star Magnolia buds were used in traditional remedies, while its blossoms have long been celebrated as harbingers of spring and inspiration for art and poetry.
Photo: Rest-Stop-Ranch
More plant info
What to look for
Star magnolia flowers open on bare branches in March or April, each one a loose star of narrow white petals, sometimes tinged pink. In winter, look for the fuzzy gray flower buds at the branch tips.
Where it comes from
Star magnolia is native to Japan. Dr. George Robert Hall brought it to the United States in 1862, and it has been planted in gardens across North America since then.
Growing it at home
Plant it where early flowers are sheltered from cold wind, since a hard frost can brown open blossoms. It flowers young and stays small, so it fits a front yard.
Sources
Guided tours of the arboretum are free, by appointment. Text Mary at 978-887-4202.