Bigleaf Magnolia
Magnolia macrophylla
Family: Magnoliaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early spring, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer, Mid spring. Form: Oval.
Magnolia macrophylla is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Beetles. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant is not wind tolerant. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Height (m): 10
Where it is found
Usually growing in isolated groups of a few individuals in sheltered deep rich woods, often in ravines and river valleys.
South-eastern N. America - Kentucky to North Carolina, Florida, Arkansas and Louisiana.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
An infusion of the bark has been used in the treatment of stomach aches or cramps. A hot infusion of the bark has been snuffed for treating sinus problems and has been held in the mouth for treating toothache.
Odontalgic: Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating:
Wood - soft, light, not strong, close-grained. Used for flooring, cabinet making etc. The wood is hard but weak according to another reports, which say that it is not used commercially. The wood weighs 33lb per cubic foot.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Firewood, Pest tolerant, Specimen. Best grown in a warm position in a moderately rich free soil of an open texture. Dislikes limey soils. Prefers a neutral to acid soil but tolerates alkaline soils so long as they are deep and rich in humus. The branches are brittle and the leaves very large, so a sheltered position is required. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution. Dormant mature plants are hardy to about -20°c but the plants are apt to be damaged by late frosts when they are young. Trees are slow-growing in the wild and do not commence flowering until they are mature. The leaves are very large and can be up to 80cm long by 25cm wide. The flowers are sweetly scented. The fleshy roots are easily damaged and any transplanting is best done during a spell of mild moist weather in late spring. Special Features: Attractive foliage, North American native, Fragrant flowers, Blooms are very showy.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed must be kept cold over the winter and should be sown in late winter in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in the spring but it can take 18 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse for at least their first winter. They can be planted out into their permanent positions when they are more than 15cm tall, though should be well mulched and given some protection from winter cold for their first winter or two outdoors. Layering in early spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 5-8
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist