Flowering tree (8)
I believe the answer is:
magnolia
'flowering tree' is the definition.
(magnolia is a kind of flowering tree)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for magnolia that I've seen before include "Tree with solitary flowers" , "Creamy white, shrub" , "tree blossoms" , "Early-blooming tree; off-white colour" , "A shade" .)