In the summer of 1775, William Bartram, an American naturalist, stumbled upon a breathtaking tree in the lush lowland forests near Mobile, Alabama. This magnificent specimen left Bartram awe-inspired, prompting him to pen a vivid description in his journal, which became one of America’s earliest publications on natural history, called “Travels.”
Bartram’s words paint a picture of sheer elegance: “How gaily flutter the radiated wings of the Magnolia auriculata, each branch supporting an expanded umbrella, superbly crested with a silver plume, fragrant blossom, or crimson studded strobile and fruits.”
The graceful “radiated wings” and the enchanting “silver plume” that Bartram eloquently captured most likely belonged to what we now know as the bigleaf magnolia (M. macrophylla). Among deciduous trees, this majestic giant stands out, boasting the largest simple leaf of any temperate North American tree, stretching up to an impressive 30 inches in length. Accompanying its paddle-like foliage are enormous blossoms, spanning a foot in diameter.
The bigleaf magnolia, native to the southeastern United States, is a somewhat rare find. It thrives in the rich, loamy soils and semi-shaded conditions of mesic woodlands. Growing to heights of 65 feet or more, it adds a touch of splendor to its preferred habitat.
The flowering process of the bigleaf magnolia is as captivating as its oversized appearance. In June, upright flower buds begin to swell and peel back, revealing six ivory-colored tepals. Tepals, petal-like flower parts that cannot be classified as either petals or sepals, attract nearby insects with their intoxicating fragrance, offering a short window of opportunity for the exposure of female organs (stigmas). The tepals then close around the mesmerized pollinators as they scramble over maternal parts in search of nectar. A day later, as male organs (stamens) actively shed pollen, the flower opens once more. This distinct separation of female and male phases, known as protogyny, safeguards against self-pollination, ensuring the health and vigor of future generations.
William Bartram was captivated by the primordial allure of the bigleaf magnolia. His accurate description marked one of the earliest recorded encounters with this elusive species. However, he mistakenly referred to the plant as M. auriculata, confusing it with a similar magnolia species found slightly further north, which he also identified by the same name (now known as mountain magnolia, M. fraseri). It was André Michaux, a French botanist and explorer, who would later rectify this confusion by naming the bigleaf magnolia as a distinct species. He introduced it to European gardens around 1800, not long after Bartram’s initial discovery.
Today, the bigleaf magnolia takes its place among other remarkable plants in botanical gardens and arboreta across the temperate world. At the Arnold Arboretum, accession 299-2001*A proudly displays the bigleaf magnolia collected from Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky, along Jellicoe Creek in the summer of 2001. Initially received as a young plant, it was nurtured on the grounds before finding its permanent home. Now, two decades later, visitors can marvel at its remarkable foliage, exquisite flowers, and unique fruits, along with a myriad of other magnolia species adorning the Arboretum’s Living Collections.
The bigleaf magnolia, with its grandeur and captivating life cycle, serves as a testament to the wonders of nature. Its presence enriches our botanical spaces, reminding us of the beauty and diversity that the world has to offer.
