Directions
If you can bear to leave the Willows, please continue on the footpath nearest to the water. As you get to Kitsilano Swimming Pool, veer left of the pool. As you arrive at the steps that lead down to the entrance of Kits Pool, you will be greeted by two of the next featured tree sitting either side of the steps: The Evergreen Magnolia.
Evergreen Magnolia
Proper Name: Magnolia grandiflora
Common Name: Evergreen Magnolia
Description: This evergreen tree has large oval, shiny, stiff and leathery leaves. These are a lovely dark green on top with a brownier colour underneath. It also has beautiful, fragrant white flowers that appear in spring. The flowers are replaced by a large oval, reddish fruit that produces bright red seeds when ripe.
Defining Feature: The flowers are very showy and are the reason for the Latin name: with ‘grand’ meaning big and ‘flora’ meaning flower. While it is at its most majestic in spring and summer you will often see flowers in bloom into winter.
Thou art, as rising from thy bower of green,
Those dark and glossy leaves so thick and full,
Thou standest like a high-born forest queen…
And while thy breeze floats o’er thee, matchless flower,
I breathe the perfume, delicate and strong,
That comes like incense from thy petal-bower…