Bigleaf Magnolia's are sometimes called 'magnolia macrophylla' and are native to the Tennessee. 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. 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. They are host plants for 15 species of Lepidoptera, including the Tuliptree Silkmoth and the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly. Care It is best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained loams in full sun to part shade. Generally intolerant of soil extremes (dry or wet). May take 6 or more years before first blooms appear. It is hardy from zones 5B to 8. Growth Habit Bigleaf magnolia is a round-headed giant usually reaching 30-40 ft. in height and 20-30 ft. wide. Fragrant, open, cup-shaped flowers to 8" to 12" wide bloom in May to June. Flowers are white with rose-purple at the petal bases. Although quite large, the flowers are often located far off the ground and are not always easy to see close up. Flowers give way to spherical cone-like fruits which mature to red in late summer, releasing individual red coated seeds suspended on slender threads at maturity. Toxicity Not toxic to pets and due to their large, papery leaves and strong scent, making them less palatable to deer, but young plants need protection as deer may browse tender new growth or buds, especially when food is scarce.
