Acknowledgments

Introduction

Featured Trees

Tree Location

Additional Feature Photos

Dawn Redwood

Kentucky Coffeetree

Ornamental Pear

Blue Beech

Northern Catalpa

Ginkgo

American Yellowwood

River Birch

Red Pine

Magnolia

Japanese Tree Lilac

Quaking Aspen

Tulip Tree

Eastern Redbud

Eastern White Pine

Amur Maackia

Autumn Purple Ash

Crabapple 'Donald Wyman'

Princess Kay Canadian Plum

Ruby Red Horsechestnut

Black Locust ‘Purple Robe’

Northern Pin Oak

Freeman Maple

Black Alder

Littleleaf Linden

Balsam Fir

Norway Spruce 'Acrocona'

Trees Company

Glossary

References

(Magnolia x loebneri 'Merrill')

In the early spring, the WSU campus presents a pleasant surprise to tree lovers when the multi-stemmed Magnolia tree (Magnolia x loebneri 'Merrill') catches attention with its large, dramatic white flowers that blanket the entire tree.

The Magnolia family includes about 200 species of trees and shrubs found mostly in tropical regions.  The Magnolia x loebneri species came about through the work of Max Loebner of Pillnitz, Germany, during the early 1900s.  The cultivar at Winona State, 'Merrill,' originated at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University in 1939.  

Magnolias, along with Ginkgos, are among the most ancient trees still in existence.  Fossilized imprints of Magnolia leaves have been found which date back as far as the Cretaceous period.

The Magnolia flowers begin with large furry buds that open into broad and showy white flowers in mid to late April.  When in full bloom, the Magnolia tree can resemble a puffy, white cloud.

Because it blooms so early in spring, often snow can fall while WSU's Magnolia is in bloom.  Interestingly, the buds develop in the fall and then open into flowers in the spring before the leaves appear. 

Though native to southern United States, the Magnolia can survive northern winters with care and can reach a height of 25-30 feet.  Since the flower buds are marginally hardy in Minnesota, low temperatures can affect the bloom.

Winona State's Magnolia is located near the northwest corner of Somsen Hall.  When in bloom, the tree must be enjoyed quickly, since it's showy flowers can remain on the tree less than a week and are easily detached from the branches by strong spring wind and rain.

(see #54 on the maps)

Last Modified: Thursday, May 08, 2008 13:59 by