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Summary

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early spring, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer, Mid spring. Form: Oval.

Physical Characteristics

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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

An infusion of the bark has been used in the treatment of stomach aches or cramps[257]. A hot infusion of the bark has been snuffed for treating sinus problems and has been held in the mouth for treating toothache[257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Wood - soft, light, not strong, close-grained. Used for flooring, cabinet making etc[61]. The wood is hard but weak according to another reports, which say that it is not used commercially[82, 229]. The wood weighs 33lb per cubic foot[235].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Firewood, Pest tolerant, Specimen. Best grown in a warm position in a moderately rich free soil of an open texture[1]. Dislikes limey soils[11]. Prefers a neutral to acid soil but tolerates alkaline soils so long as they are deep and rich in humus[188]. The branches are brittle and the leaves very large, so a sheltered position is required[200, 229]. Very tolerant of atmospheric pollution[200]. Dormant mature plants are hardy to about -20°c[200] but the plants are apt to be damaged by late frosts when they are young[1]. Trees are slow-growing in the wild[229] and do not commence flowering until they are mature[245]. The leaves are very large and can be up to 80cm long by 25cm wide[229]. The flowers are sweetly scented[229, 245]. The fleshy roots are easily damaged and any transplanting is best done during a spell of mild moist weather in late spring[182]. Special Features: Attractive foliage, North American native, Fragrant flowers, Blooms are very showy.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

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[200]. 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[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Ohio (s.-c.), Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia (west))

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Magnolia macrophylla	Bigleaf Magnolia	Tree	10.0	5-8	S	LMH	SN	M	0	1	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Magnolia_macrophylla - Michx.