Ohhhh I'll have to look around and see if I can find different species of magnolias. My dad has the traditional southern magnolias all over his property. This tree does grow like one and the bark is smooth like that. Hmmmmm thanks for replying.

Star magnolia. If you're not a plant propagation hobbyist easiest thing would be to just buy one for your place - it's not something you can root in a glass of water or stick pieces of into the ground, commercial growers use specific routines and setups to multiply plants like these.

If it's a magnolia, you surely have seen it in bloom, especially a star magnolia which blooms very early and on bare branches.

If it's Magnolia stellata that's the biggest one I've ever seen. Must be fantastic in bloom. If the developer destroys it they're a complete vandal.

The size is not exceptional for star magnolia, actually, which using a British frame of reference Owen Johnson correctly describes in Champion Trees of Britain & Ireland (2011, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew) as "ultimately arborescent". And lists one 5 m (16') tall at Kew in 2010. With examples measured (~2005) elsewhere by Arthur Lee Jacobson (Trees of Seattle - Second Edition (2006)) including ones 26', 28 1/2' and 17 1/2' tall. Similar figures (ranging up to 36') can be found in the earlier publications North American Landscape Trees (also by Jacobson) and Robert Van Pelt's Champion Trees of Washington State.

I’d estimate that tree is 30‘ tall which would be massive for star magnolia.

I guess comparing it to state champion tre some of the most temperate locations in the world would make it not so exceptional

That one looks a lot taller than 5m. I said it was the biggest I've ever seen, and it is. I haven't seen the champion at Kew.

Leaves look more like loebneri than stellata to me.

I agree with arbordave, probably one of the loebneris.

3rd photo shows a star magnolia. If fence is 3' tall tree is 20' high at most. Star magnolia is a cold climate adapted species, not likely to need Zone 8 to reach full development. (Consistent with this the 36' height record listed in North American Landscape Trees is from Massachusetts). In fact the purpose of crossing star magnolia with lily magnolia (resulting in the individually named Kosar and De Vos hybrid selections) at the National Arboretum was to combine star magnolia hardiness with lily magnolia floral attributes, so as to provide a new type for use in cold climates.

I thank you all for your feedback. I will watch the tree through autumn and winter with anticipation for bloom. Funny my dad has lived on the property across the road for 73 years and cant tell of its bloom. I love trees and this one is sure captivating.

Well it bloomed last year because it has fruit in your pictures.

This looks like it.... I cannot wait for spring. I haven't seen a full season here in 30 years so I couldnt tell about the blooms. Thank you to all who responded. I will post new pictures in March.

Perhaps when developers come, you could talk to someone about saving it. Since it's on the road border, it might be out of the way of activities, buildings, etc.

Agree w/Embo that it's about 20' tall.

I am super happy to finally report the identity of this lovely mystery tree. It is most definitely a Royal Star Magnolia. Now, I am on a mission to get one. Thank you all for posting.