Family: Magnoliaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Magnolia stellata (star magnolia) is a small deciduous flowering tree or large shrub native to southern central Honshu, Japan. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental because of its early spring blooms, which feature fragrant white to pale pink star-shaped flowers that appear before the leaves emerge. Typically growing 15–20 feet tall, star magnolia has a rounded form, smooth gray bark, and attractive foliage that turns yellow or bronze in autumn. It is commonly planted in residential landscapes, gardens, parks, and near patios as a specimen tree valued for its beauty, compact size, and seasonal interest.

Risks & Threats
Although star magnolia is not currently known to be naturalized in Hawaii, it does possess traits that are cause for concern. In suitable climates, it can reproduce by seed and may persist in cultivated landscapes for long periods. Its tolerance of cool, moist environments and popularity as an ornamental increase the likelihood of continued planting and potential spread. At this time, there is limited evidence of invasive behavior in Hawaii, but ongoing evaluation is needed to determine whether it could impact native ecosystems or become problematic in sensitive habitats. Caution is recommended to help ensure that this species will not negatively impact Hawaii’s unique environment.

High Risk Traits:

• Able to grow in >5 hardiness zones in temperate climates
  
• Naturalized in Ohio and possibly New Zealand
  
• Unpalatable to deer
  
• Possibly Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds and intentionally by people
  
• Limited self-compatibility (although reduced seed set)
  
• Hybridizes with other Magnolia species
  
• May form a persistent seed bank
  
• Able to coppice and resprout after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• May be able to naturalize only in higher, cooler elevations in tropical islands
  
• Despite naturalization, no negative impacts documented
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Ornamental
  
• Requires beetle for effective pollination
  
• Does not spread vegetatively
  
• Reaches maturity in >4 years
  
• Does not seed prolifically