Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Magnoliales>Magnoliaceae>Magnolia macrophylla Michaux

Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) flower

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-shaped) bases. It is much less common than the similar Umbrella-Tree (M. tripetala), which has smaller leaves (though still large) without the lobes at the base.

Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.

Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) flower

Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.

Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) flower closeup

The fragrant cream-colored flowers have a distinctive magenta mark at the base of the petals.

Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.

Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) flower bud

Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.

Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) flower

Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.

Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) fruit

Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.

Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) leaf underside

The undersides of the leaves are glaucous (whitened) and pubescent (hairy).

Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.

Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla)

There are four or five trees in Battle Park, Chapel Hill, Orange Co., NC. It's unknown whether these are escaped from cultivation or truly native to this park.

The tiny-looking leaves in the background of this photo are Red Maple.

Battle Park, Chapel Hill, NC 6/5/05.

Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla)

The flash used in this photo makes these look more white than normal. Note the size in comparison to the American Beech leaves.

Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) Bark of a small tree.

Battle Park, Chapel Hill, NC 6/5/05.

Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) bark

Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.

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