Bigleaf Magnolias are breathtaking

The pages of a book are called leaves so you can “leaf through a book.” This is also why a small book of a few pages or leaves, is called “leaflet,” the diminutive of leaf. Speaking of leaflets, when a reporter for the London Daily Herald asked the British authorities for a copy of the propaganda leaflets that the British dropped over Germany they denied his request, “Copies are not given out, as they might fall into enemy hands.”

Leaf or leaflet, there is a stunning American native tree defined not by its incredible summer flowers, but by its huge dinner plate-size leaves, The aptly named Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) has the largest flowers and the largest leaves of any native tree.

The fragrant ivory flowers are up to a foot across, highlighted with purple and yellow centers. Even though it looks decidedly tropical, this tree is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.

But if the flowers are stunning, the leaves are breathtaking, measuring up to three feet across. Because it has a wild or rough appearance, it looks out of place on streets, but in open areas such as parks or lawns makes a stunning specimen tree.

Magnolia trees are some of the oldest and most primitive of all surviving tree families. Because magnolias developed before the bees or butterflies, these ancient trees are pollinated by beetles. The strong fragrance of the massive flowers lures the beetles.

You can easily grow Bigleaf magnolia in full sun or partial shade.

A slightly alkaline soil that drains well is ideal. Fall planting is best as it gives the tree a chance to grow roots and settle in before adding new growth in the spring.

The large branches may be broken off in storms, but that is a small price to pay for such a magnificent American tree. Native from Ohio to Florida and west to Arkansas, this tree has an irregular silhouette with a general oval or pyramidal canopy. The huge leaves break down slowly, so it is best to rake them up as they fall. These magnolias are rarely bothered by insects or disease.

Bigleaf magnolia is a slow grower that will reach an average height of 30 to 40 feet.

After blooming the tree forms three-inch long rosy pink egg-shaped fruit. The fruit stays on the tree for a long time, attracting many birds. In the fall the bright green leaves turn a warm yellow, adding color to the landscape.

For best results plant your Bigleaf magnolia where it is sheltered from strong winds. Because it has shallow roots it may need watering during dry spells until it is established. Bigleaf magnolia trees can often be special ordered from local nurseries or by mail from specialty growers such as Logee’s Plants (www.logees.com or phone 888-330-8038, and Whitman Farms (3995 Gibson Rd NW, Salem, OR 97304 or phone: 503-510-0486.

So take a leaf out of a landscaping book and plant your own Bigleaf magnolia this year. In a few years you will have the largest leafed, largest flowering tree around, and your garden just may turn over a new leaf.