Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla): Largest Simple Leaves of Any Native Tree

Bigleaf Magnolia holds a botanical superlative: the largest simple leaves and largest flowers of any tree native to North America. Magnolia macrophylla (family Magnoliaceae) is a rare, understory tree of the southeastern U.S., found in rich, moist woods from Louisiana to Georgia and north to Kentucky.

Superlative Foliage and Flowers

The leaves are enormous—12-36 inches long, 6-12 inches wide, obovate, with a distinctive auriculate (eared) base. They're bright green above, silvery-white and fuzzy beneath, clustered at branch tips, creating a tropical appearance. The flowers are equally impressive: 10-16 inches across, creamy white with a purple stain at the base of the inner tepals, intensely fragrant (lemony). They appear in late spring after leaves emerge. The aggregate fruit is 3-4 inches, revealing red seeds.

Taxonomic Classification

Conservation and Cultivation

Bigleaf Magnolia is uncommon in the wild, threatened by habitat loss and poor regeneration. In cultivation, it's a prized specimen for collectors and botanical gardens. It requires rich, moist, well-drained, acidic soil, partial shade (especially when young), and protection from wind (which shreds the huge leaves). It's hardy to zone 5b/6a.

It grows 30-40 feet tall with a pyramidal to rounded crown. The coarse texture and massive leaves make it a dramatic focal point. It's slow to establish and flower (10-15 years from seed). A related variety, M. macrophylla var. ashei (Ashe Magnolia), is smaller with even larger flowers. For similar tropical foliage in easier culture, consider Magnolia tripetala (Umbrella Magnolia).