Magnolias

Magnolias are generally known for having large, leathery leaves and impressive white or pink flowers that appear very early in spring.

However, there are many species of these trees/shrubs. Here are some of the species you can find around New York City:

1. Lily Magnolia – This shrub puts out a huge flush of lightly perfumed reddish-purple or pink flowers shaped like lilies.
2. Anise Magnolia – This deciduous tree will produce white flowers with strappy petals before the leaves unfurl in the spring.
3. Loebner Magnolia – Fragrant star-shaped pink and white flowers four to six inches wide appear in spring before the foliage emerges.
4. Kobus Magnolia (Japanese Magnolia) – fragrant white flowers tinged with pink that appear before the leaves open.
5. Star Magnolia – Produces star-shaped white flowers in later winter or early spring, before any other flowering tree, and before even most spring bulbs.
6. Saucer Magnolia – The white blooms with pink interiors typically appear in early spring before the leaves appear.

In New York City, Saucer Magnolias are mostly common in private gardens. Some placed in the front and some in the back yards. Unfortunately, it is rare to find them as street trees. Other Magnolia shrubs are common in parks around the five boroughs and even in some parts of Park Avenue.
You can spot the impressive bloom in the big apple from late March to early April.