Magnolia stellata
Star Magnolia

Magnolia stellata - Habit
 Family:
 Genus:
 Plant Type:
 Growth Forms:
 Hardiness:
 Deciduous / Evergreen:
 Flower Notes:
White (Fragrant white, 3-4" dia. flowers with 12-18 petals (each up to 2" long) before leaves, in early April, ahead of the Saucer Magnolia)
 Foliage Notes:
Green (Summer foliage); Bronze (Rarely has the attractive yellow-bronze fall color)
 Fruit Notes:
Red (2" reddish-green cucumber-like pods with usually only a few attractive reddish-orange seeds in fall)
 Ultimate Height:
15-20 feet
 Ultimate Spread:
10-15 feet
 Fruiting Times:
 Light Requirements:
 Soil Notes:
Prefers peaty, organic soil
 Range:
Japan
 Diagnostic Characteristics:
Leaves alternate, simple, 2-4" long and half as wide, obtuse tip then tapering to base, dark green above and pale green and reticulate below, generally glabrous. Flower buds are large (0.3-0.5" long) and silky. Stems are fragrant.
  Special Characteristics:
  • Border 395
  • Foundation 202
  • Patio Tree 128
  • Specimen 630
  • Fragrant Flowers 188
  • Notable Bark 168
  • Slow Growth Rate 271

    • Additional Information

    Handsome specimen at all seasons. Needs at least some protection from strong wind in Zones 4 and 5. Somewhat prone to breakage in severe ice storms. Early blooming flowers often destroyed by late spring frosts.

    When Magnolia stellata has been observed flowering or fruiting at Purdue University

    Flowering

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    Fruiting

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    9 Magnolia stellata found

    Building Map...

    = Heritage plant = Memorial plant
    Number Accession ID Location
    12009_13660*AHORTPARK
    22010_08876*AWDC
    32013_00608*AHORTPARK
    42010_06292*AHARR
    52009_01107*AEEL
    62015_02463*A2550
    72015_02463*B2550
    82011_01280*ADSCB
    Heritage Plant
    Dedicated/Memorial Plant
    92024_00133*AMRDH

    Other plants like this Magnolia stellata (Star Magnolia)

    The Purdue Arboretum is a collaboration between the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and Physical Facilities Grounds Department

    Purdue Arboretum, 625 Agriculture Mall Dr, West Lafayette, IN, 47907
    © 2026 Purdue UniversityAn equal access/equal opportunity universityCopyright ComplaintsMaintained by Purdue Arboretum Explorer
    Contact Purdue Arboretum at arboretum@purdue.edu for accessibility issues with this page | Accessibility Resources | Contact Us