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Magnolia stellata - (Siebold.&Zucc.)Maxim.

Common Name Star Magnolia
Family Magnoliaceae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Woods in mountains. Found only in the mountains to the north-east of Nagoya[11].
Range E. Asia - Japan.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Magnolia stellata Star Magnolia


Aktron / Wikimedia Commons.
Magnolia stellata Star Magnolia
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Cillas

 

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Summary

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Magnolia stellata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from March to April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Beetles.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses:

Young leaves - cooked. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails[177].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Border, Firewood, Pest tolerant, Specimen. Best grown in a warm position in a moderately rich free soil of an open texture[1]. Succeeds in acid or neutral soils in sun or part shade[184]. Tolerates alkaline soils so long as they are deep and rich in humus[188]. Prefers plenty of humus in the soil[11]. The branches are brittle so a sheltered position is required[200]. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution[200]. Dormant plants are hardy to about -15°c[184]. The fleshy roots are easily damaged and any transplanting is best done during a spell of mild moist weather in late spring[182]. A very ornamental plant, the flowers start to be produced when the plant is only 2 years old and have a delicate sweet perfume[245], though they are easily damaged by frost or wind[1]. A number of cultivars have been developed for their ornamental value[200]. Plants are slow-growing[202]. Very closely related to M. kobus and possibly no more than a geographical form of that species[182]. Special Features: Not North American native, Fragrant flowers, Blooms are very showy .

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed must be kept cold over the winter and should be sown in late winter in a cold frame[200]. The seed usually germinates in the spring but it can take 18 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse for at least their first winter. They can be planted out into their permanent positions when they are more than 15cm tall, though should be well mulched and given some protection from winter cold for their first winter or two outdoors. Layering in early spring[200]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, early summer in a frame[202].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

(Siebold.&Zucc.)Maxim.

Botanical References

11200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Joel Atherton   Sun Apr 2 2006

If one flower-head's worth of petals are carefully collected, they can be steeped in a mug of boiled water. Do not boil the Petals, just cover with boiled water. If left for 10ish minutes and then the petals removed, it makes a wonderfully perfumed drink. Great for relieving tension, and relaxing. The magnolia water can also be used as a delicate handwash, leaving the hands smelling fresh and revitalised.

issa   Thu May 18 2006

camelia

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Subject : Magnolia stellata  
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