Magnolia stellata
Star magnolia is a small, flowering tree in the magnolia family with striking white flowers and orange fruits encased in pink shells.
Location
Spot the small star magnolia near the intersection of the Hidden Spring Trail, Magnolia Trail, and Appleton Trail.
History at Hadwen
Hadwen’s deep affection for magnolias was evident as he named his farm “Magnolia Farm” in their honor. He cultivated over fifteen species, including the star magnolia, expressing his belief that “the Magnolias are among the most magnificent trees for ornamental planting.”
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Detailed Species Information
Star magnolia is a small deciduous tree in the family Magnoliaceae native to Japan. The star magnolia is slow-growing, typically reaching 10–20 feet (3–6 meters) in height and 15 feet (4.6 meters) in width. The bark is smooth and gray. The deep green leaves are simple, oblong, and alternately arranged on the stem. The flowers of the star magnolia have 12 thin, white/pink petals which are lightly fragrant. In the fall, the star magnolia produces small, orange fruits encased in a pink husk.
The tree thrives best in sunny, acidic, rich sites and is sensitive to frosts in the spring. Introduced to the United States in 1862, the star magnolia is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree due to its showy flowers and compact size.