Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla)Magnolia Family With its massive, tropical-looking foliage and showy, fragrant flowers, Bigleaf Magnolia is one of the most striking and unusual native trees in eastern North America. It boasts the largest simple leaves and flowers of any tree native to the continent, with leaves reaching up to 30 inches long and creamy white blooms spanning 8 to 14 inches across. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the creamy flowers release a subtle fragrance and create a dramatic visual display. Flowers usually occur high in the tree, so if possible, locate where you can see them out a second or third story window. Flowering generally occurs 7-10 years from seed. It prefers sheltered locations with 4-6 hours of sun and protection from wind, which can damage its enormous leaves. Although relatively slow-growing, it can reach 30 to 40 feet in height under ideal conditions. This plant is rare in the nursery trade and is listed as vulnerable in North Carolina. Blooms: White, 1-2 weeks, May-June Leaves: Very large, up to 3’ long, silvery-white underneath Height: 30-40’ Space: 20-30’ Soil: Average-Moist Exposure: Part sun-Part shade-Shade Fauna: Beetle and bee pollinated, seeds for birds Seeds: Cone-like fruit filled with bright red fruit Deer Resistance: Low Zone:5-8 Native Status: NC native, rare in the Piedmont and Mountains Provenance: Unknown, seed grown
