Magnolia is a large genus of about 210 flowering plant species in the subfamily magnolioideae of the family magnoliaceae.
The flowers develop to encourage pollination by beetles. As a result, the carpels of Magnolia flowers are tough, to avoid damage by eating and crawling beetles. Another primitive aspect of Magnolias is their lack of distinct sepals or petals, as more modern flowers do; scientists have named the corresponding part of the magnolia flower a tepal.
M. stellata is a star magnolia, a deciduous large shrub or small tree, which grows up to 20 feet tall.
The flowers are usually white, although some varieties have pink blossoms. Stellata blooms early in the spring, before the leaves appear.
M. x soulangiana is a saucer magnolia, a hybrid of M. heptapeta x M. quinquepeta. This deciduous tree grows slowly to 30 feet tall with a corresponding spread. It has large, cup-like blossoms and typically is a heavy bloomer. The flowers are usually pink, although they can also be white or purple. Some are fragrant.
Our two most spectacular magnolia trees can be found between Parson’s Hall and the Condit House.