Flowers on a magnolia tree

Today’s photograph (and short post) is brought to you by the flowering magnolia trees on campus.

These magnolia trees actually lose their leaves every year–which is one reason why at times I forget that they have gorgeous flowers in the spring. The flowers are all a nice dark lavender color and the leaves area also starting to pop out as well. Half the time I’m calling these tulip trees–because the flowers do resemble tulips–but on a tree.