The Magnolia is one of over two hundred flowering trees in the family Magnoliaceae. The Magnolia is also a particularly ancient deciduous tree or shrub species. Having evolved before bees appeared, the flowers developed to encourage pollination by beetles. As a result, the carpals of Magnolia flowers are tough, in order to avoid damage by eating and crawling beetles. Fossilized specimens of the Magnolia have been found dating back 20 million years, and of related trees back to 95 million years ago.

The Magnolia is also one of the most popular flowers in America. It is the official state flower of both Mississippi and Louisiana. The flower's abundance in Mississippi is reflected in its state nickname, "Magnolia State." The Magnolia is also the official state tree of Mississippi. In fact, one of the oldest nicknames for Houston, Texas is "The Magnolia City," due to the abundance of Magnolia trees growing along Buffalo Bayou. This is definitely one flower that plays well out of town.

With its beautiful pink flowers, the Magnolia is one of the loveliest of all the Conservatory Garden's early blooming shrubs. It is easy to see why it is such a favorite around the country.