Limited Quantities - Reserve Now For Fall
Bigleaf Magnolia Tree
Bigleaf Magnolia Tree
Couldn't load pickup availability
Magnolia macrophylla
Bigleaf Magnolia
The Bigleaf Magnolia is a rare, dramatic native tree known for having the largest simple leaves of any North American tree—reaching up to 30 inches long! Add in its enormous, fragrant, creamy white flowers (10–12 inches wide) and you have a showstopper that turns heads in any landscape.
Perfect for woodland gardens, specimen plantings, or collectors of native rarities, the Bigleaf Magnolia delivers bold beauty, seasonal fragrance, and ecological benefits.
Bigleaf Magnolia Overview
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
🌿 Botanical Name |
Magnolia macrophylla |
|
🏷️ Common Names |
Bigleaf Magnolia, Large-leaved Magnolia |
|
🌳 Mature Height |
30–50 feet |
|
🌐 Mature Width |
20–30 feet |
|
📈 Growth Rate |
Moderate (12–24 inches per year) |
|
⏳ Lifespan |
80–120+ years |
|
🧊 USDA Zones |
5–8 |
|
❄️ Chill Hours |
600–900 hours |
|
☀️ Sun Preference |
Full sun to partial shade |
|
🧱 Soil Type |
Moist, rich, well-drained loam |
|
⚖️ Soil pH |
Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0) |
|
💧 Water Needs |
Moderate to high; prefers consistent moisture |
|
🌸 Flower Color |
Creamy white with a purple blush; late spring |
|
🍒 Fruit Type |
Cone-like red aggregate fruits with orange seeds |
|
🐝 Pollinators |
Attracts beetles, bees, and native pollinators |
|
🌿 Growth Habit |
Upright, spreading crown with large leaves |
|
↔️ Spacing |
20–30 ft apart for full canopy development |
|
🏡 Landscape Uses |
Specimen tree, native woodland gardens, shade tree |
|
🧹 Maintenance Level |
Moderate (due to leaf size and moisture needs) |
Environmental Benefits
🌸 Provides early-season pollen for beetles and native pollinators
🍂 Creates deep shade and contributes to forest understory ecology
🌳 Offers nesting shelter and food sources for birds and insects
🌧️ Aids soil structure and moisture retention in forest settings
Pros & Cons
|
✅ Pros |
⚠️ Cons |
|
🍃 Largest leaves of any North American tree |
🍁 Enormous leaves create heavy fall litter |
|
🌸 Massive, fragrant flowers for spring impact |
💦 Requires moist, well-drained soil and doesn’t like drought |
|
🌿 Unique native specimen not commonly found in landscapes |
🌬️ Leaves may tear in wind-prone areas |
|
🧬 Native to southeastern U.S., supports local ecosystems |
📏 Slow to establish and prefers protected planting sites |
|
🏡 Ideal for woodland gardens or bold specimen use |
✂️ Requires space and can outgrow small gardens |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Water deeply before planting and maintain consistent moisture
🕳️ Dig hole twice as wide as root ball; do not bury crown
🌾 Mulch heavily (3–4 inches) to retain soil moisture
💦 Keep soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods
✂️ Prune lightly in winter to remove dead or crossing branches
🧪 Use compost or a slow-release balanced fertilizer in spring
The Bigleaf Magnolia is a botanical marvel—giant leaves, massive blooms, and native pedigree all rolled into one unforgettable tree. Whether you're creating a woodland retreat or making a bold statement in your yard, this rare magnolia will leave a lasting impression.
Share
