bigleaf magnolia

Plant Type

Large Tree (greater than 25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

30-40 ft. tall
30-40 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Dry Soil

Propagation

By seed, By cutting

Plant Propagation Notes

Seed requires cold moist stratification for 60 days. Cutting should be taken from semi-hardwood.

Plant Planting Notes

Protect from high winds so the leaves don’t get shredded. Intolerant of air pollution.

Plants/Diseases

No significant disease or pest issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Leaves alternate, oblong to obovate with entire to undulate margins with hairs on the underside and a heart-shaped base.

Flowers

Large, white solitary flowers that are cup-shaped and fragrant. Eight to 14 inches across with 6-9 petals.

Fruit

Bright red fruits.

Bark

Gray bark, smooth with patches of plate-like patches.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Mesic forests and mesic hammocks.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Rare in the South Carolina piedmont. Absent from the coastal plain, sandhills, and mountains.