Bigleaf Magnolia, Magnolia macrophylla

The bigleaf magnolia is a unique understory tree that is native to the southeastern United States. It is rarely found in the wild and has the largest simple leaves and flowers of any tree indigenous to North America. The leaves can measure up to 3 feet long and 1 foot wide while the showy fragrant flowers are 8 to 14 inches in diameter. The flower blooms in May-June and are cream-white with rose-purple at the petal base.

In the wild, the tree tends to be found in rich wooded areas in river valleys and ravines. It grows best in rich, well-drained loams with acidic or neutral soil and in full sun to partial shade. It is attractive in lawns, but should be planted so that it may be protected from strong winds and urban pollutants. At maturity, it grows 30 to 40 feet tall and equally as wide. 

The Bigleaf Magnolia was named by Andre Michaux, a French naturalist, and explorer. He discovered this tree in 1789 in the Charlotte area of North Carolina.