Star magnolia
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Star Magnolia, Magnolia stellata, is a very slow growing shrub or small tree native to Japan with large showy white or pink flowers in early spring before the appearance of the leaves. It is very closely related to Kobushi magnolia (M. kobus), and is treated by many authors as a variety or even a cultivar of that; it is however accepted as a distinct species in the monograph cited below. This species has become naturalized in parts of North America.
This tree grows 4.6-6 m (15-20 ft \) in height. The oblong leaves are 10cm (4in) long and 4cm (1.5 in) wide. This tree blooms at a young age, with the slightly fragrant 7-10cm (4in) white flowers covering the bare plant in early spring.
It is a common ornamental in Europe and much of North America. Spring frosts or freezes can damage the flowers. The leaves open bronze-green, turning to deep green as they mature, and yellow before dropping in the fall. The shrub prefers deep acidic soil.
References
- Hunt, D. (ed). 1998. Magnolias and their allies. International Dendrology Society & Magnolia Society. ISBN 0-9517234-8-0
http://www.treeguide.com/Family.asp?FamilyID=173&Region=NorthAmerican