Native Plant Database

Magnolia macrophylla Michx.

Bigleaf magnolia

Magnoliaceae (Magnolia Family)

The tree with the largest flowers and the largest leaves of all native North American species (except for tropical palms) and a broad, rounded crown of stout, spreading branches. Big-leaf magnolia is a round-headed giant reaching 30-40 ft. in height. Flowers are creamy-white, 8-14 in. across, solitary and fragrant, followed by egg-shaped, rose-colored fruits. Deciduous leaves are extremely large, up to 1 ft. wide and 3 ft. long.

Planted as an ornamental north to Massachusetts. However, in windy places the giant leaves become torn and unsightly. The queenliest of all the deciduous magnolias was named by the French naturalist and explorer Andre Michaux (1746-1802), who discovered this rare local tree near Charlotte, North Carolina in 1789.

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 36-72 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , GA , KY , LA , MD , MS , NC , OH , SC , TN , VA , WV , DC
Native Distribution: Interrupted distribution from w. FL to LA, n. to VA, KY & AR
Native Habitat: Bottomland woods, rich wooded slopes, alluvial woods, piedmont
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Description: Rich, acid soils.
Conditions Comments: Protection from wind helps to preserve the huge leaves.

Last Update: 2009-02-18