Star Magnolia
Magnolia stellata
Learn about the star magnolia tree, including when and why it was planted and where to find it.
Tree Facts
Traits
- Rounded growth habit
- Smooth, gray bark
- White flowers with strap-like petals in late winter or early spring
- Yellow leaves in fall
Native Range
- Japan
Story of the Tree
The star magnolia is native to Japan. It originated in the highlands of the Japanese island Honshu. It is considered to be a variation of the 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 17th century French botanist. The word stellata refers to its star-shaped flowers.
One of the star magnolia trees, planted in 2013, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the sister state relationship between Hyogo, Japan and Washington state. Another star magnolia, planted in 2016, commemorates the 20th anniversary of the sister state relationship between Jeollabuk-do, South Korea and Washington state. Both commemorative trees are located just west of the Temple of Justice.
