Family - Magnoliaceae

Stems - No info. yet.

Leaves - No info. yet.

Inflorescence - No info. yet.

Flower bud prior to anthesis.

Flowers - No info. yet.

Calyx.

Stamens close-up.

Flowering - March - April.

Habitat - Cultivated.

Origin - Native to Japan.

Other info. - This striking cultivated plant from Japan was first brought to the U.S. around 1860. Since that time at least 8 cultivars have been produced. The plant is commonly cultivated throughout Missouri in lawns and business landscapes. This species can grow to about 6m tall and can be trained as a tree or a shrub. The big white flowers appear before the leaves and last for about a week or two.
The Japanese word for the plant is Side_kobusi.

Photographs taken in King, NC., 3-22-03.