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Bigleaf magnolia

How to identify Bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla)

Bigleaf magnolia, also known as Umbrella tree

Bigleaf magnolia is distinguished by its considerable stature, typically reaching 30 to 40 feet (9 to 12 meters) in both height and width, with a pyramidal to rounded canopy. It bears the largest simple leaves of its kind in North America, with impressive dimensions of up to 3 feet (91 cm) in length and 1 foot (30 cm) in width. These leaves are green with a distinctive silvery-gray, pubescent underside. The tree produces extraordinarily large, fragrant flowers spanning 8 to 14 inches (20 to 35 cm) in diameter, colored creamy-white with a touch of rose-purple at the base of the tepals. Post-blooming, it develops unique spherical, pubescent fruit which turns red upon maturation and releases seeds encased in red, suspended by slender threads.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Bigleaf magnolia

1

Gigantic leaves up to 3 feet (90 cm) long and 1 foot (30 cm) wide.

2

Creamy-white flowers with purple bases, 8-14 inches (20-35 cm) wide.

3

Unique red fruit, 2-3 inches (5-7.6 cm) long, with suspended seeds.

4

Silvery-gray, pubescent underside of leaves, contrasting with green upper surface.

5

Stout stem with silvery-haired buds, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) thick.

Bigleaf magnoliaBigleaf magnoliaBigleaf magnoliaBigleaf magnoliaBigleaf magnolia

Detailed Traits of Bigleaf magnolia

Leaf Features

The leaves of bigleaf magnolia are deciduous and remarkable for their immense size, reaching up to 3 feet (90 cm) in length and 1 foot (30 cm) in width. They are arranged alternately and exhibit a smooth, green upper surface contrasted by a silvery-white, pubescent underside. Their shape ranges from oblong to obovate, with a distinctive heart-shaped base. The margins are entire and wavy, adding to their unique appearance. Notably, they produce leaf scars below the bud.

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Flower Features

Bigleaf magnolia has large, creamy-white, fragrant flowers measuring 8 to 14 inches (20 to 35 cm) in diameter. These cup-shaped blooms display 6 to 9 tepals, with the inner tepals showing purple at the base. They emit a pleasant scent and are arranged in a manner that accentuates their elegance. Blooming from May to June, these impressive flowers are a stunning feature of the plant, making it easily identifiable during its flowering season.

Bigleaf magnolia Flower imageBigleaf magnolia Flower imageBigleaf magnolia Flower image
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Stem Features

The stem of bigleaf magnolia is stout and varies between brown and green in color. It measures approximately 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in thickness. The stem features prominent leaf scars and is encircled by a stipule scar. The large bud at the stem's tip is covered in silvery hairs, providing a unique and distinguishing characteristic. The texture is generally smooth with occasional nodal swellings where branching occurs, facilitating easy identification for plant enthusiasts.

Bigleaf magnolia Stem image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of bigleaf magnolia is a conspicuous, oval, and hairy structure, which is typically 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm) long. Initially green in color, it ripens to a vibrant red in late summer. Upon maturation, it opens to release seeds that are coated in red and hang from slender threads, creating a striking visual contrast against the fruit's interior.

Bigleaf magnolia Fruit imageBigleaf magnolia Fruit image
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Bigleaf magnolia and Their Similar Plants

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Southern magnolia vs. Bigleaf magnolia: What's The Difference?
A showpiece of the southern United States is the southern magnolia. This tree is known by its dark green oval leaves that are leathery in feel and its beautiful waxy flowers. The southern magnolia blooms are thought to symbolize dignity and nobility. White versions of the flower are commonly used in bridal bouquets to denote purity.
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Star magnolia vs. Bigleaf magnolia: What's The Difference?
Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is a small, slow-growing shrub native to Japan. Star magnolia is commonly cultivated in gardens and prefers deep soils with an acidic pH. Compared to other magnolias, star magnolia has much narrower petals and thus resembles twinkling stars.
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Cucumber tree vs. Bigleaf magnolia: What's The Difference?
Cucumber tree (Magnolia acuminata) is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. The largest varieties of cucumber tree grow in the southern Appalachian Mountains. This species produces sweet-scented, greenish-yellow blossoms that are reminiscent of a tulip. The tree is named for the cucumber-like seed cones that appear after its blossoms fall off.
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Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) is deciduous tree in the magnolia family. Scientifically, it was the first magnolia species to be described in the genus. Sweetbay magnolia is grown as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks. Sweetbay magnolia is known for the fragrant vanilla scent of its flowers.
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Umbrella tree vs. Bigleaf magnolia: What's The Difference?
Umbrella tree (Magnolia tripetala) gets its common name from its over-sized leaves that grow outwards from the stem. The leaves give the plant an umbrella-like appearance. This species can grow up to 14 m tall. The flowers have an unpleasant scent.
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Key Facts About Bigleaf magnolia

Attributes of Bigleaf magnolia
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Flower Size
35 cm to 50 cm
Flower Color
White
Cream
Fruit Color
Red
Burgundy
Stem Color
Green
Red
Cream
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Bigleaf magnolia

Family
Magnolia
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Species
Bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla)
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