The Bigleaf Magnolia - A Stately Native Species
The Bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) is a stately, medium-sized, deciduous tree native to Georgia. It’s most notable for very large leaves, growing up to 30 or more inches long and fragrant flowers as much as a foot wide – the largest of any temperate variety. The leaves, light green on top and whitish or silvery underneath, are unlobed, except for a lobe on either side of each leaf at the base. They are arranged in a cluster around twig tips so that they resemble an umbrella. Bigleaf magnolia is slow growing, a species of bottomlands, flood plains or coves, preferring moist, well drained to wet soil.
The large leaves and blossoms are an indication that this is a primitive species. Magnolias are among the oldest of all surviving tree families. Their blossoms, unlike those of more recently-evolved trees, are pollinated by beetles, which pre-date bees and butterflies. A strong fragrance helps attract the beetles. Its fruit is a cone-shaped cluster that matures in early autumn to display pale orange seeds – loved by birds -- on slender threads.
As dramatic as this species is, it’s not regularly available commercially, although some native plant retailers may offer it. It can provide an interesting contrast to fine-textured plants in the landscape.