06/17/2026
Meet the Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) — one of Alabama's most impressive native trees!
With leaves up to 30 inches long and fragrant blooms nearly a foot across, the Bigleaf Magnolia holds two records no other North American tree can claim: the largest simple leaf AND the largest single flower of any native species on the continent.
First discovered right here in Alabama back in 1775, this deciduous beauty thrives in our climate — loving partial shade, sloped yards, and the warm Southern seasons. It puts on a show from spring through fall, and its larger-than-life presence makes it a true conversation piece wherever it grows.
If you ever come across a Bigleaf Magnolia on a hike or tucked into a wooded hillside — stop and take it in. You're in the presence of something truly special.