For a project that requires a highly visible location for a small tree, consider the beautiful Magnolia sieboldii. This vase-shaped tree provides the structure and primary focal point in a garden while providing shelter and habitat for birds through every season. It grows to 15′ tall and works well in planter beds around patios and on uphill slopes. It features elliptical green leaves are about 3-6″ long and it grows best in part sun or shade in some of the hotter areas around the Bay. In late spring to early summer, cupped-shaped, fragrant, white flowers appear with a prominent purple-red stamen followed by showy, pink oval fruits. When this tree blooms, it makes a dramatic addition to just about any Bay Area landscape.