Magnolia macrophylla Michx.

Bigleaf Magnolia; Oowah Tree

Tree

Perennial

Vascular

Bigleaf Magnolia is a native deciduous tree in the Magnolia family (Magnoliaceae). It is found throughout the state, but concentrated primarily in the western half. It has the largest simple leaves and largest single flower of any native plant species north of Mexico. Bigleaf Magnolia is typically found in rich hardwood forests, most often on slopes and in ravines where it is protected from strong winds. The trees often have multiple trunks, and can reach a height of 60 feet. The leaves are clustered near the ends of the branches and are green above and silvery white below. The leaves can be upwards of a yard long! The trees are easy to spot when the wind moves the leaves and the underside flashes. Flowers are cup-shaped and fragrant. They are up to twelve inches wide with white petals that sometimes have a purple spot at the base. The spherical cone-like fruits are woody and about the size of a baseball. Each section of the fruit releases a single seed that remains attached to the fruit by a silken thread. The seed swing and bounce in the wind, and have a red outer coating that is rich in fats. Birds are attracted by movement and the color red. The outer seed coat provides them with an energy rich food source during fall migration. The inner seed coat is hard and passes through the bird’s digestive tract un-harmed. Bigleaf Magnolia is available from many native plant nurseries. It can also be grown from seed. The seed should be collected as soon as possible after they are released from the cones. The fleshy red outer seed coat should be removed. You can soak the seed in warm water and then use a knife or sandpaper to remove the seed coat. Seed should be planted immediately out doors and will germinate in the spring. Bigleaf Magnolia grows best in rich soils high in organic matter. It needs bright light, but protection from strong winds. Plants grow well at the edge of a wood line or beneath larger trees.--A. Diamond

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Native

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