Bigleaf Magnolia
Magnolia macrophylla
Last reviewed: September 2026
Bigleaf magnolia is a deciduous tree known for its enormous leaves and creamy white flowers that open in May and June, growing well in the moist woodlands and part shade of the southeastern United States.
Toxicity unknown
Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
360"–600" H × 240"–360" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, GA, KY and 7 more states
Pollinators
beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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Bigleaf magnolia is a native tree with enormous leaves up to 3 feet long and fragrant white flowers reaching 12 inches across in late spring. This impressive specimen tree grows 30-50 feet tall and requires adequate space to showcase its dramatic tropical appearance.
Growing Bigleaf Magnolia
Grow Bigleaf Magnolia in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 360 to 600 inches tall and spread 240 to 360 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bigleaf Magnolia is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone.
- Requires significant space due to large mature size
- Large leaves can create substantial leaf litter in fall
Wildlife value
The large flowers attract beetles for pollination, and the tree provides nesting sites for birds. Seeds are eaten by various wildlife including squirrels and songbirds.
Common questions
- When does bigleaf magnolia bloom?
- Bigleaf magnolia flowers open in May and June, producing large, fragrant white blossoms.
- What pollinates bigleaf magnolia?
- Beetles are the main pollinators of bigleaf magnolia, a pattern common among magnolias whose flower structure predates bee pollination.
- How much light does bigleaf magnolia need?
- This tree does best with part sun to part shade, often growing as an understory species beneath taller canopy trees.
- How much water does bigleaf magnolia need?
- Bigleaf magnolia prefers evenly moist, well drained soil and struggles in prolonged dry conditions.
- Is Bigleaf Magnolia HOA-friendly?
- Bigleaf Magnolia is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Bigleaf Magnolia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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