Star Magnolia
Magnolia stellata · Deciduous Broadleaf
Plant Family
Magnoliaceae
Tree Category
Flowering Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
Likely species or 'Royal Star'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-8; sensitive to late spring frosts which can damage early blooms
About This Tree
A small, slow-growing tree or large shrub with a rounded, multi-stemmed habit and dense canopy
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, obovate to elliptical, 2-4 inches long, dark green above and paler below, turning bronze-yellow in fall
Bark Characteristics
Smooth and silvery-gray when young, becoming slightly more textured with age; very aromatic when bruised
Growing Information
Origin Region
Japan; high-elevation forests of Honshu island
Growing Season
Blooms in early spring before leaves emerge; seeds ripen in late summer; dormant in winter
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil; moderate drought tolerance once established
Mature Size
15-20 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide; slow growth rate; can live 50+ years
Special Characteristics
Earliest blooming magnolia; fragrant star-shaped white flowers; pest resistant; deer resistant
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nectar for early-season pollinators like bees and beetles; fruit consumed by songbirds and squirrels