Q: What are these structures growing on our Spring Welcome Magnolia? — Randy S.

A: The round, red-colored structures in your photo are the seed-bearing pods, or fruits, of the magnolia. The pods can be quite ornamental, adding fall and winter interest. Thanks also for the opportunity to mention the Upper Midwest’s most attractive, winter-hardy magnolia.

Although our region is hardly considered magnolia territory, Spring Welcome was introduced by North Dakota State University as a fully winter-hardy selection for our Zones 3 and 4 growing conditions.

Spring Welcome magnolia blooms in early spring with pretty pink buds that open to pristine white. It develops into a large shrub or small specimen tree, potentially reaching a height of 20 feet. It can be grown with single or multiple trun

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