Bigleaf Magnolia is a rare deciduous native found in the understory of rich forests with enormous tropical-looking leaves (the largest simple leaves of any tree in the US) that have auriculate (earlobe-shaped) bases. It is much less common than the similar Umbrella-Tree (M. tripetala), which has smaller leaves (though still large) without the lobes at the base.

Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.

Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.

The fragrant cream-colored flowers have a distinctive magenta mark at the base of the petals.

Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.

Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.

Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.

Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.

The undersides of the leaves are glaucous (whitened) and pubescent (hairy).

Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.

There are four or five trees in Battle Park, Chapel Hill, Orange Co., NC. It's unknown whether these are escaped from cultivation or truly native to this park.

The tiny-looking leaves in the background of this photo are Red Maple.

Battle Park, Chapel Hill, NC 6/5/05.

The flash used in this photo makes these look more white than normal. Note the size in comparison to the American Beech leaves.

Battle Park, Chapel Hill, NC 6/5/05.

Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.