Magnolia stellata is commonly called the star magnolia and is known for it’s large, showy white or pink flowers that bloom before the leaves flush. It is a slow growing, small tree that is endemic to the Tokai floristic region in central Japan. It is a wetland species and it typically found in valleys, riverbeds, and lowland hills at elevations between 30-555 m. Unfortunately, this charming tree’s narrow range is heavily impacted by human activities. M. stellata is listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List and is threatened by land development and illegal collecting.