How to identify Bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla)

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: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Bigleaf magnolia

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

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.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

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.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

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.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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