Bigleaf magnolia is a medium-sized deciduous tree known for its large leaves and large flowers. Others that are hardy to at least zone 5 include: A drawback of growing bigleaf magnolias is that they only begin to produce blooms once they reach 12 years of age. Noted for its unique enormous leaves, Magnolia macrophylla (Bigleaf Magnolia) is a magnificent, deciduous tree with a single trunk and a broad, rounded crown. The flowering process of bigleaf magnolia is no less fascinating than its oversized anatomy. Ze groeien tot 50 voet lang en hebben een luifel die zich verspreidt zich tot aan 30 feet in diameter. None serious. Bigleaf magnolias grow best in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. 1998. The wood is hard but weak according to another reports, which say that it is not used commercially. When pollinated, these flowers yield to showy fruits. Magnolia seed pods, which resemble exotic-looking cones, spread open to reveal bright red berries, and the tree comes to life with birds, squirrels and other wildlife that relish these tasty fruits. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. bigleaf magnolia Magnoliaceae Magnolia macrophylla Michx. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Botanical name today is magnolia 'obovata'. Ashe's Magnolia, Deciduous Magnolia, Dwarf Bigleaf Magnolia Photo by Cure Nursery Ashe’s Magnolia is a greatly underused, rare in cultivation, extremely ornamental small tree endemic to mixed hardwood forests and ravine slopes in a few counties in the “armpit” or panhandle of Florida. dealbata (Mexican bigleaf magnolia). Magnolia macrophylla (Bigleaf Magnolia) – This tall tree or shrub (30 to 40 feet) has the largest leaves and blooms of any hardy native North American tree. Botanical Name: Magnolia macrophylla Family: Magnoliaceae Type: Small to medium sized tree Native Range: Appalachian region Zones: 5 - 8 Size: 30-40' tall Form: Pyramidal tree that develops a spreading rounded crown with maturity. Magnolia’s are classic trees that are known for growing in hot climates, though there are many varieties of this tree that are cold hardy and can be grown in a wide range of climates. North Carolina Dept. Several species that occur together in the southern Appalachian Mountains have lobed leaf bases (Figure 7 – bigleaf magnolia (M. macrophylla)), a characteristic that easily separates them from umbrella and cucumber magnolias. Bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla Michx.) Data Source and References for Magnolia macrophylla (bigleaf magnolia) from the USDA PLANTS database Its fragrant white flowers are equally impressive––and equally massive, with a length of 12 inches. During the first evening of flowering, female organs (stigmas) are exposed for a short period of time, while their strong fragrance attracts nearby … The wood is hard but weak according to another reports, which say that it is not used commercially. Magnolia macrophylla - Bigleaf Magnolia : Smithsonian Gardens. ProblemsBacterial leaf spot, spot anthracnose, canker, dieback, butt rot, powdery mildew, anthracnose, fungal spots, weevils, snails, scale insects, thrips, planthoppers. The leaves are clustered near the ends of the branches and are green above and silvery white below. Common name(s): Large Leaf Magnolia, Large-Leaved Cucumber Tree, Great-Leaved Magnolia. It does have large leaves of 12 to 32 inches long x 7 to 12 inches wide that are bright green above and silvery-gray and downy beneath. Its best feature, though, is its foliage. Bigleaf Magnolia is typically found in rich hardwood forests, most often on slopes and in ravines where it is protected from strong winds. Bigleaf Magnolia. Loamy, rich soil that drains well is ideal. The rate of magnolia tree growth depends on the specific species. Magnolia seed pods, which resemble exotic-looking cones, spread open to reveal bright red berries, and the tree comes to life with birds, squirrels and other wildlife that relish these tasty fruits. Bigleaf Magnolia. Bigleaf magnolia is medium-sized understory tree 15–20 m tall, though some individuals over 27m tall (and over 100 cm circumference) have been documented by the Eastern Native Tree Society.This species is distinguished from other magnolias by the large leaf size, 25–80 cm long and 11–30 cm broad. Other uses of Bigleaf Magnolia: Wood - soft, light, not strong, close-grained. Magnolia’s are classic trees that are known for growing in hot climates, though there are many varieties of this tree that are cold hardy and can be grown in a wide range of climates. Bigleaf magnolias do not like soil that is too dry or too wet. These trees are easy to grow, they will adapt to almost any soil type so long as it drains well, and they will tolerate both full sun or partial shade. The first step in propagating magnolia trees from cuttings is to take cuttings in the summer after the buds set. Each can contain a single fleshy seed. From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall. These trees are easy to grow, they will adapt to almost any soil type so long as it drains well, and they will tolerate both full sun or … This is an example of a type species, which is a plant that is considered to be the prime example for species in a genus. Are you sure you want to delete your notes for this recipe? Vanessa Richins Myers is a seasoned horticulturist, garden writer and educator with 10+ years of experience in the horticulture and gardening space. Bigleaf magnolia. N.C. Natural Heritage program records for Magnolia macrophylla sites. Amazing grove of state champion size Bigleaf Magnolia trees at Bulloch Hall in Roswell, GA. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. The leaves of bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) are pleasantly velvety, and they are quite macro, often over two feet long and a foot wide. The bigleaf magnolia is originally from the southeastern United States, eastern Mexico, and the Caribbean. Young Bigleaf Magnolia. Once planted, magnolia requires little regular care. A fully grown magnolia tree can be difficult to repot. Magnolia trees provide continual interest in the landscape. https://treedirectory.blogspot.com/2012/01/magnolia-macrophylla.html The bigleaf magnolia has been further split into three different subgenera. Magnolia Macrophylla: Population structure, reproductive strategies and the disturbance regime of Mill Creek Forest. Bigleaf magnolia occurs over a large area but individual trees are scarce. Magnolia trees produce seed cones in the fall which litter yards and sidewalks. This feature has been temporarily disabled during the beta site preview. If you're not keen on trying your luck with the seeds, bigleaf magnolias can also be propagated via rooting softwood cuttings in the summer, grafting, and layering. Propagation of the herb: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. It is hardy to zone (UK) 6 and is not frost tender. Shippable Sizes. The wood weighs 33lb per cubic foot. Plant type: deciduous small tree Primary method of propagation: cutting Alternate propagation method(s): seed, layering, grafting/budding. Bigleaf magnolia, large-leaved cucumber tree, great-leaved magnolia, Caribbean, eastern Mexico, southeastern United States, Varieties of Bigleaf Magnolias, Other Types of Magnolias, Pros and Cons of Growing Bigleaf Magnolias, How to Grow and Care for Velvet Banana Trees, 12 Common Species of Magnolia Trees and Shrubs, How to Grow and Care for Snow Banana Trees, How to Grow and Care for Sweet Cherry Trees, 17 Types of Flowering Trees for Home Landscaping, 11 Great Fragrant Trees for Your Landscape. Photos of bigleaf magnolia in USDA Plants Database; View current and modeled bigleaf magnolia distributions in Google Earth (124 KB) Download Google Earth for free. Please note that the photographs below have common names that exactly match "bigleaf magnolia." Magnolias can grow up to 80 feet tall with a spread of 30 to 40 feet [1, 2-4].Magnolia has dark green, oval shaped waxy leaves. Propagation of the herb: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Bigleaf magnolias can be large trees. How to Grow a Magnolia Tree From a Cutting. Most growers prefer buying bigleaf magnolia trees from nurseries, but they can also be grown from seed. across (20-25 cm), adorned with rose-purple at their petal bases, open after the leaves on mature trees (at least 12 years old). Despite their showy nature, bigleaf magnolias are easy to care for when grown in optimal conditions. Bigleaf magnolia is is native from the Ohio River Valley south to Louisiana and Florida. Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored. This magnolia tree’s ivory flowers have six petals; they are 8 to 10 inches across. The sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) is a flowering tree or shrub that can be either evergreen or deciduous depending on the USDA Zone where it is grown. Ashe's Magnolia, Deciduous Magnolia, Dwarf Bigleaf Magnolia Photo by Cure Nursery Ashe’s Magnolia is a greatly underused, rare in cultivation, extremely ornamental small tree endemic to mixed hardwood forests and ravine slopes in a few counties in the “armpit” or panhandle of Florida. Return to Landscape Plant Propagation Information index; Magnolia macrophylla. growing tips of branches as cuttings. symbol: MAMA2 Leaf: Alternate, simple, very large, 20 to 30 inches long, with wavy edges and "ear-lobes" at the base, green and shiny above, lower surface with whitish hairs. They are Magnolia macrophylla subsp. Maintenance and Pruning . When walking through a forest, the way these large leaves droop around the edges is especially noticeable. Range description 8 Magnolia macrophylla is endemic to North America where it occurs in the southwestern states of the USA. You must be a magazine subscriber to access this feature. cultures were initiated from immature seeds on an induction medium containing 9.0 μ m 2,4-D, 1.1μ m BA, and 1 g casein hydrolysate/liter. Description: True to its name, the bigleaf magnolia has the largest leaves (and flowers) of any native North American tree. Diseases and Insects. magnolia is the shape of the leaf base. They are also intolerant of pollution, meaning that they do not make good street trees. Bigleaf magnolias grown in exceptionally well-draining soil will need more frequent watering than trees grown in more slow-draining soil types. Bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla Michx.) It is native to North America. These plants can ordered online and shipped directly to you or picked up at the nursery. Positive: On Oct 18, 2002, Evert from Helsinki, Finland (Zone 4b) wrote: Nice big-leaved Magnolia species, native to Japan/North East Asia. Magnolias are among the most popular trees grown in North America. Magnolias can be layered in early spring, grafted in winter, and propagated by bud in summer. Bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) is a deciduous tree growing 15 – 20 m tall. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Beetles. Bigleaf magnolia trees prefer conditions that mimic their native habitat in alluvial woods and piedmont. Used for flooring, cabinet making etc. Bigleaf Magnolia1 Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson2 INTRODUCTION This North American native tree is deciduous in most areas but semi-evergreen in the Deep South (Fig. It appears to be somewhat picky in its … Fragrant Flowers, Showy Foliage, Showy Fruit. Sow the seeds in the fall, but be aware that bigleaf magnolia seeds are known for having low seed viability. Use a slow-release fertilizer with a balanced formulation and apply it during late spring or early summer. Genus : Magnolia. Cucumber magnolia buds (Figure Sometimes known as the ‘newspaper tree’, the huge leaves of Magnolia macrophylla, can be as big as 30 inches long. – bigleaf magnolia Subordinate Taxa. This plant has no children Legal Status. Magnolia Tree Facts Most magnolia trees are hardy in USDA Zones 7 through 10; however, there are some cultivars that can grow in zone 5. Magnolia trees provide continual interest in the landscape. Bigleaf magnolia is a deciduous tree but is semi-evergreen in the deep South. The wood weighs 33lb per cubic foot. Most magnolia trees grow at a slow-to-medium rate, averaging 1 to 2 feet a year. Problems Bacterial leaf spot, spot anthracnose, canker, dieback, butt rot, powdery mildew, anthracnose, fungal spots, weevils, snails, scale insects, thrips, planthoppers. ashei (Ashe magnolia), M. macrophylla subsp. The leaves of Bigleaf Magnolia are truly large, 12 to 32 inches long and 7 to 12 inches wide, when found in the wild and somewhat smaller when grown in landscapes. of the member-only content library. Return to Landscape Plant Propagation Information index; Magnolia macrophylla. Signs that fertilizer is needed include weak new growth in the spring and significant dieback. ... Bigleaf Magnolia Plant Profile 17 Types of Flowering Trees for Home Landscaping Banana Shrub Growing Profile How to Grow Cucumber Trees How to Prune a Magnolia Tree The bigleaf magnolia is a stunning addition to any native garden. Leaves of this size are usually found in the tropics, not our temperate zone. Browse pictures and read growth / cultivation information about Bigleaf Magnolia, Large-leaved Cucumber Tree (Magnolia macrophylla) 'Julian Hill' supplied by … The flowers are uncommonly large, too, and the scent is, well, southern -- Magnolia grandiflora with a twist of lemon. Trees grow best in moist, fertile, well-drained soils in shade and full sun. Bigleaf Magnolia1 Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson2 INTRODUCTION This North American native tree is deciduous in most areas but semi-evergreen in the Deep South (Fig. The tree's branches often bend under the weight of this heavy foliage. Propagation Method. Plant Type: Tree Annual/Perennial: Perennial Foliage: Deciduous Height: 30 - 40 feet Bloom Color: White with Purple in center Bloom Time: May Sun Exposure: Part Sun Soil Conditions: Moist Spacing: 50 feet on center Magnolia macrophylla grows up to 40 feet tall and wide. Get complete site access to decades of expert advice, regional content, and more, plus the print magazine. Be careful as you replace the soil not to damage the plant’s shallow root system. The bigleaf magnolia was first described by Andre Michaux, a French naturalist who encountered the tree near Charlotte, North Carolina. Sow the seeds in the fall, but be aware that bigleaf magnolia seeds are known for having low seed viability. Specifications. Sign up for a free trial and get access to ALL our regional content, plus the rest I've only seen one tree of this species in a large front yard with an old house from the early 1800's in southeast Pennsylvania. View larger versions of the photographs and their details by clicking on them below. When they collect on the ground in the fall, it looks as if someone spread newspapers under the tree. They do not suffer from any serious pests or diseases, nor do bigleaf magnolia trees require any regular pruning to maintain their shape. CareGrow in moist, well-drained, preferably acidic to neutral soil in sun or partial shade; magnolias do not tolerate wet feet. Magnolia flowerbuds are susceptible to late-season frosts; shelter large-leaved species from windy locations. Southern California December Garden To-Do List, Southern Plains December Garden To-Do List, A Fool and His Garden | Letter from the Editor, Dahlias Don’t Ask Much | Letter from the Editor, It’s Just Business | Letter from the Editor, Natural Stone and Ground Covers Are a Great Combination. Magnolia macrophylla Figure 1. Flower: Species is monoecious; large (10 to 14 inches) and showy, with several long creamy white petals, very fragrant. Magnolia macrophylla - Bigleaf Southern Magnolia. Bigleaf Magnolia: Native: No: USDA Zone: Zone 6: Shipping Terms. Buds: Buds of the two species are quite different. This won't delete the recipes and articles you've saved, just the list. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Beetles. Prune trees and deciduous shrubs in late winter or late summer to prevent bleeding of sap; prune minimally to maintain a healthy framework. They tolerate neither very dry nor very wet ground. Cleaned seeds can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The trees often have multiple trunks, and can reach a height of 60 feet. Bigleaf Magnolia . © 2020 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. If you're not keen on trying your luck with the seeds, bigleaf magnolias can also be propagated via rooting softwood cuttings in the summer, grafting, and layering. Used for flooring, cabinet making etc. This fruit is popular with birds and other wildlife. It is in flower in June. Collect ripe, fallen fruit from the ground; remove the flesh, leaving only the seed. Magnolia macrophylla (Bigleaf magnolia) Index. There are 42 photographs of bigleaf magnolia in the JC Raulston Arboretum's Photograph Collection. Posted by lee drummond on 4th Jul 2018 Great seller, shipped quickly and the plant arrived as described and in good condition. 770-343-6000 Contact Us. Propagation of Liriodendron and Magnolia via Somatic Embryogenesis br SCCrrr A. MKRKLE Scbool of Forest Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 Introduction In recent years, substantial progress has been made in the area ofin uitro propagation and manipulation of horticultural and forest tree species. Raynal, C.E. Plant in an open area so to be able to enjoy the large blooms on lower limbs. Propagation of this species is carried out through seed germination and cuttings. Leaves are 1 to 3 feet long, and the fragrant flowers are 10 to 12 inches in diameter. One unique requirement of bigleaf magnolia trees is a location that does not experience much wind or, failing that, being planted in a place that shields them from strong winds. If your soil does not meet these requirements, consider using mulch. 1). When grown in the rich soil they prefer, bigleaf magnolias may not need fertilizer. It flowers in early summer with creamy-white, fragrant blossoms that reach a foot across. Threatened and Endangered Information: This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. This tree has 3 subspecies and is native to Southeast USA and East Mexico. Posted by William Haag on 8th Sep 2020 Tree was in excellent condition and health when I received it. Plant database entry for Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) with 11 images, one comment, and 35 data details. Facebook; Facebook; Menu. 5 Umbrella Magnolia. Magnolia macrophylla Figure 1. Inside the berries, you’ll find the magnolia seeds. To prevent sap from bleeding, some growers opt to prune their bigleaf magnolias in late winter or late summer. Common name(s): Large Leaf Magnolia, Large-Leaved Cucumber Tree, Great-Leaved Magnolia. . Regional 1). Method Seed collection : Bigleaf magnolia fruit is an aggregate of capsule-like structures. The extraordinary leaves and blossoms on the bigleaf magnolia make it a show-stopper when planted in a yard. It is in flower in June. Suitable for Ohio’s USDA plant hardiness zones 5 and 6, the Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia x macrophylla) is a rare deciduous species with leaves that grow from 12 to 36 inches long. A deciduous magnolia tree species, the leaves are the largest simple leaves found in North America, measuring up to 3 feet long and 1 foot wide. Propagation Material The first part (material code) describes the material used to create the plant. Bigleaf Magnolia grows slowly to 30 to 40 feet and spreads 20 to 25 feet forming a rounded, broad canopy. 1938. Propagation Methods: From softwood cuttings. This deciduous species has remarkable leaves that are over 3 feet long and 1 foot wide. Young Bigleaf Magnolia. Bigleaf Magnolia canopy, photo by Jennifer Daggy. 5 Bigleaf Magnolia Purchase. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Root softwood cuttings in early summer. Bark: Grey to yellowish, smooth. Leaf: Deciduous; large oblong-obovate; 12-32" long, 7-12" wide; green, silvery grey underneath. This helps to keep the soil rich and full of nutrients. Tulane University. Instead replace 30 to 50% of the soil in the pot every other year. It is hardy to zone (UK) 6 and is not frost tender. I have 3 magnolia tree I pick some seed today I am going to put it into a pot and start selling the plants , I will sell them very cheap , I lost my job over seven years , am a house maker , and I need a money to help my self , am from the carribian Trinidad , I know how to grow all plant , but if anyone need some seed I will like to send it to them . This tree can survive in sunny to partial shade environment, and moist soil is best suited for its growth. A third drawback is that bigleaf magnolias are fussy about the soil that they grow in. Summary 7 Magnolia macrophylla, the bigleaf magnolia, is a deciduous magnolia native to the southeastern United States and eastern Mexico.This species boasts the largest simple leaf and single flower of any native plant in North America. Posted by ILPARW (southeast Pennsylvania - Zone 6b) on Jan 30, 2018 3:23 PM. News & Blogs; Login Magnolia macrophylla is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a slow rate. Propagation by Cuttings. The showy, fragrant flowers bloom in shades of pink, purple and white. Common names are from state and federal lists. Cucumbertree, sweetbay, umbrella magnolia, Fraser magnolia and bigleaf magnolia are all deciduous types of magnolia trees. The gorgeous red seeds serve as a delicacy for squirrels and migrating birds, and they can also be collected to grow more magnolias! Identity Taxonomic Tree List of Pests Summary. In late spring to early summer, large, fragrant, creamy-white flowers, 8-10 in. If a product is available for shipping, these are the terms: For fall, our plants will be shipped from September 8th until the week of November 16th. The most common codes are "SD" (seed), "EX" (existing plant), "PT" (plant), "CT" (cutting), "SC" (scion), "SG" (seedling), and "GR" (graft). Changing Your Order - If you have an order that has … 4.4: 0.80-0.75: MODFACs What traits will impact bigleaf magnolia's ability to … Harvest the fruit in the fall after the seeds have swollen and are bright red. Later in the season, the fleshy seeds can be found around the base of the tree after they have fallen from the fruit. Propagation by Cuttings. Magnolia grandiflora is a broadleaf evergreen tree that is noted for its attractive dark green leaves and its large, extremely fragrant flowers. From hardwood cuttings. It prefers a climate similar to that in these areas. of Environment and Natural Resources. Umbrella magnolia can be confused with bigleaf magnolia; the leaf base of umbrella is “V-shaped” and bigleaf “B-shaped.” ... Cultivation and Propagation Information. Further magnolia cultivation advice Propagation Propagate by seed in autumn and spring, softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer cultures were initiated from immature seeds on an induction medium containing 9.0 μ m 2,4-D, 1.1μ m BA, and 1 g casein hydrolysate/liter. Always allow the soil to dry out between waterings, but never allow it to stay dry for too long. Noteworthy Characteristics. Most of these plants are shipped bare root, read about shipping methods Our shippable sizes are sold out right now. They are elongated (measuring 1 to 3 inches) and red. How to Grow Magnolias By Propagating From Cuttings. How to Grow a Magnolia Tree From a Cutting. Even the fruit left behind after the flower fades offers landscaping interest. Magnolia Tree Information Types. They are light green above and silvery beneath. The genus Magnolia includes a variety of trees and shrubs cultivated for their large, showy flowers and … Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) The bigleaf magnolia is perhaps the most striking understory tree native to our Eastern forests. Climate Change Adaptability. Seed Collecting: Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds. Beginning in June, upright flower buds swell and peel back to reveal six ivory-colored tepals Tepal: A petal-like flower part that cannot be classified as either petal or sepal. Partridge Berry Mitchella repens. De bladeren van deze boom zijn vrij groot, met een aantal groeien tot 3 voet l Plant type: deciduous small tree Primary method of propagation: cutting Alternate propagation method(s): seed, layering, grafting/budding. Magnolia macrophylla is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a slow rate. While we never made it to the biggest Bigleaf Magnolia on the site (shown below in a tree hug by Larry Mellichamp), our group enjoyed wandering in the forest under those massive leaves. Using a water ring to water the tree is ideal as it establishes itself; once the tree is well-rooted, water only when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Remove fleshy coating on seeds before storing. Bigleaf Magnolia boom zorg Bigleaf Magnolia's zijn bloeiende bomen afkomstig uit Noord-Amerika. Bigleaf Magnolia grows slowly to 30 to 40 feet and spreads 20 to 25 feet forming a rounded, broad canopy. Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Magnoliales>Magnoliaceae>Magnolia macrophylla Michaux Bigleaf Magnolia is a rare deciduous native found in the understory of rich forests with enormous tropical-looking leaves (the largest simple leaves of any tree in the US) that have auriculate (earlobe … Inside the berries, you’ll find the magnolia seeds. Plant … Each can contain a ... in the refrigerator. This big leaved beauty fits gracefully into a wide variety of settings and is equally at home in a large front yard or a university campus. The showy, fragrant flowers bloom in shades of pink, purple and white. Seed collection: Bigleaf magnolia fruit is an aggregate of capsule-like structures. Because the leaves of this tree are so large, they are easily damaged and torn by strong gusts of wind. From seed; stratify if sowing indoors. Bigleaf Magnolia grows slowly to 30 to 40 feet and spreads 20 to 25 feet forming a rounded, broad canopy. Bigleaf Magnolia. Place the cuttings in water as you take them. Bigleaf magnolia Bigleaf magnolia Magnolia macrophylla Magnolias are among the oldest flowering trees and are very popular for landscaping uses because they have highly fragrant flowers and birds and rodents often like to feed on the tree’s small, bright-red seeds. In early spring the fuzzy, bluish green leaf buds swell, unfurling to form huge, egg-shaped leaves of bright green with silvery gray undersides. On the plus side, the flowers are attention-grabbers. Magnolias can be layered in early spring, grafted in winter, and propagated by bud in summer. It is found in Kentucky, which is home to the national champion - a tree in Tight Hollow, Ky. measured 108 feet tall with a 42-foot spread. It is found in forests that have enough moisture. Bigleaf magnolia needs a site that has full sun to part shade. This is a magnificent tree of the South. Thus the species name of macrophylla, which comes from the Latin meaning "large leaves." Two to five hours of direct sunlight each day is ideal. It typically grows to 60-80’ tall with a pyramidal to rounded crown. PropagationSow seeds in autumn or stratify to hasten germination. Its smooth bark is tan to sandy brown. Magnolia macrophylla, commonly called bigleaf magnolia, is noted for its huge oblong-obovate leaves (to 30 inches long) which are the largest simple leaves of any tree indigenous to North America.Leaves are green above and silvery-gray below. Description. Other uses of Bigleaf Magnolia: Wood - soft, light, not strong, close-grained. Magnolia macrophylla Michx. macrophylla (bigleaf magnolia) and M. macrophylla subsp. Using a knife or pruner sterilized in denatured alcohol, cut 6- to 8-inch (15-20 cm.) Also, because the leaves are so large, raking them can be quite a chore in the fall. My favorite native tree is the Bigleaf magnolia. Both the legal and the illegal collection of bigleaf magnolias have decreased the natural population, making it a threatened species in North Carolina and endangered in Ohio and Arkansas. How to Care for a Magnolia Tree. Bigleaf Magnolia should be grown in full sun or partial shade on well-drained soil, and does not tolerate wet soil or drought.