Starry Magnolia Magnolia stellata

The star magnolia is a slow-growing, medium-sized, flowering deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows with a rounded crown and is often grown as a large pyramidal multi-stemmed shrub. It grows from 15 to 20 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide. It is noted for its compact size and late winter to early spring bloom of star-shaped white flowers. Since blooms open early, they are subject to frost damage. It is the earliest of the deciduous magnolias to flower. In the winter, pubescent floral buds appear and will produce clusters of fragrant, 3 to 4-inch white flowers with 12 to 18 tepals. After flowering, it will produce a cone-like fruit that contains large seeds. As the cone-like fruits mature in late summer, they will burst open and reveal bright orange seeds. The leaves emerge oblong with a bronze color, turn medium to dark green during the summer months, and yellow in the fall.

The star magnolia is native to Japan. It originated in the highlands of the Japanese island of Honshu. It is considered to be a variety of Magnolia kobus. The star magnolia was introduced to the United States in the 1860s.

The genus name, Magnolia, is in honor of Pierre Magnol, a French botanist from the 17th century. The specific epithet, stellata, refers to its star-shaped flowers.

The star magnolia is best grown in full sun and moist, organically rich, acidic to neutral, well-drained loams. It will tolerate clay soil and partial shade, but it flowers best in full sun. It appreciates consistent and even moisture in summer, and is intolerant of soil extremes of dryness, or wetness. It is also intolerant to most urban pollutants and high winds. Plant the star magnolia in a protected site to prevent severe damage from frost, and avoid southern exposures where the buds may be induced to open too early and subsequently damaged. This plant is heat tolerant, but mulch helps retain soil moisture. Prune only if needed immediately after flowering.  If the plant needs rejuvenation, prune out 1-2 older stems per year. It may be propagated by stem cuttings or seeds, but seed propagation may be challenging.

The star magnolia will begin to flower when it is only 2 to 3 years old. For late winter or early spring flowering, consider the stunning star magnolia as an accent, specimen, border, or foundation planting in your home landscape.

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom: Late Winter to Early Spring         Foliage: Spring, Summer, and Fall          Fruits:  Late Summer and Fall

Quick ID Hints:

• deciduous shrub or small tree, measuring 15 to 20 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide
• gigantic white blooms with 12-18 strap-like tepals 
• star-shaped flowers appear before the leaves in late winter or early spring
• cone-like fruits with aggregate follicles containing oranges seeds
• pubescent winter floral buds  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: The star magnolia has no serious insect or disease problems; however, be sure to monitor the plant for scale. It will become chlorotic in alkaline soils. Since it blooms in late winter or early spring, the flowers may be prone to frost damage.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy, and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.

More information on Magnolia.