PLANT OF THE MONTH

May 2024

LATIN NAME: Magnolia laevifolia (syn Michelia)

COMMON NAME: Polished-leaved magnolia

FAMILY: Magnoliaceae

TYPE: Evergreen tree

ORIGIN: China

LOCATION AT BLOEDEL RESERVE: Arrival Garden

GARDEN USES: Border plantings, specimen tree

FUN FACT: Spring is here and with it, comes heaps of fuzzy brown buds located in each leaf axil of this wonderful magnolia relative. Once opened, these creamy-white blooms will fill the air with an alluring fragrance destined to grab any visitor nearby. The genus name honors the French botanist, Pierre Magnol (1638-1715).