Bigleaf Magnolia (Great Leaved Magnolia, Cucumber Tree relative)
Magnolia macrophylla · Magnoliaceae (Magnolia family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Oblanceolate to obovate with a cordate or auriculate (ear-shaped) base
Margin
Entire and slightly wavy
Arrangement
Alternate, often clustered near the ends of stout twigs
Venation
Pinnate with a prominent, pale central midrib and prominent secondary veins
Key Features
Enormous simple leaves with heart-shaped or auriculate ear-lobes at the base, silvery-white undersides, massive creamy-white fragrant flowers up to a foot or more across, and bumpy rose-like aggregate fruits
Description
Magnolia macrophylla is renowned for producing the largest simple leaves and largest flowers of any native tree in North America. The tree is a small to medium-sized deciduous understory tree with an open, rounded crown, smooth gray bark, and immense paddle-like leaves that give it a tropical appearance in temperate forests.
Habitat
Rich, moist deciduous forest understories, ravines, and stream banks with well-drained, acidic soils in partial shade
Native Range
Native to the southeastern and south-central United States, ranging from Ohio south to Florida and west to Louisiana and Texas