I am SO glad our Five Forks neighbors planted this tree in their yard.  Such a beautiful early spring bloomer.  You can see it on Five Forks Drive on the left as you start through the SSS curves.  

 

It is Saucer Magnolia, Magnolia soulangeana.  Same family as the giant Southern Magnolia, but these trees are deciduous.  They bloom before they leaf out in Spring, really setting off their gorgeous blooms.  They grow 20-25 feet, and produce 5-10 inch tulip shaped blossoms, ranging in color from white to dark rose purple.  They are beautiful to look at, and are also frangrant when in bloom.  

 

There are several deciduous Magnolias, and they are available in our local garden centers.  Now is the time to choose one, because you can see what color it will be when it blooms.  Kinda like buying azaleas; definitely get them when they are in bloom; that way you know what color you're getting.  

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!