Star magnolia tree is one of the first trees to bloom in spring. As you can see in the photo, the maple providing the backdrop has barely come into bud...

It is smaller than the saucer magnolias, reaching a height of 15'-20' (with a similar spread), but star magnolia tree (Magnolia stellata) more than makes up for it by beating its taller relative into bloom. Grow star magnolias in planting zones 4-8 in full sun.