The temperature have been above normal in the afternoon each day in November and, surprisingly, a single Umbrella Magnolia in a canyon along Murray Road near Creek’s End has burst into bloom. This same tree bloomed last November before the cold set in for the winter. They are fairly common in the canyons and hollows of the Boston Mountains especially along the Buffalo and Little Buffalo Rivers. What is surprising, is how late in the year it bloomed; but, I have seen many spring wildflowers bloom this autumn; perhaps due to the drought and warm fall weather.
Description The leaves of this 15-45 ft. deciduous magnolia are clustered at the end of stems to resemble an umbrella. Individual leaves are 10-24 in. in length. The showy flowers are 6-8 in. in diameter and creamy-white in color. Their petals are thin and less symmetrical than those of other magnolias. The flowers are followed by cone-shaped, rosy-red fruits.
Habitat Mountains, Canyons & valleys.
Life and Wildlife along the Little Buffalo River 
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