Ashe's magnolia
Magnolia ashei
The 'Bigleaf' of the understory, Ashe's magnolia is a rare botanical treasure featuring the largest flowers and leaves of any native North American tree. Experience a prehistoric beauty that brings a tropical, lush feel to your shaded backyard.
Quick Identification
Size
Tree height 10-25 ft (3-7.6 m); leaves up to 2 ft (60 cm) long; flowers 6-12 in (15-30 cm) wide
Colors
Creamy white petals with a purple-rose blotch at the base; bright green leaves with silvery-gray undersides
Key Features
- Massive simple leaves with ear-shaped bases
- Large, saucer-shaped white flowers with citrus scent
- Small, multi-stemmed understory growth habit
- Cone-like fruit that turns rose-colored in late summer
When You’ll See Them
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Behavior
Ashe’s magnolia is a rare, deciduous understory tree that stands out for its prehistoric appearance. Unlike many other magnolia species that take decades to reach maturity, this species is known for blooming at a very young age, often when only 3 or 4 feet tall. It has a slow-growing, somewhat erratic branching habit that gives it a unique, architectural silhouette in a shaded garden landscape.
Ecologically, it serves as a specialist host. Because it evolved before bees were common, it relies on ancient pollination methods. The flowers produce a heavy, sweet scent to attract beetles, which crawl inside the bloom to feed on protein-rich pollen. While it is a peaceful garden resident, its large leaves are sensitive to wind damage, so it 'behaves' best when sheltered by larger canopy trees or fences.
EverydayEarth exclusive
Camera Tips
Capturing the majesty of Ashe’s magnolia requires a different approach than filming moving wildlife. To truly showcase this plant, set your camera to time-lapse mode during the peak blooming window in late spring. Position the camera about 4 to 6 feet away from a developing bud, angled slightly upward to catch the 'theatrical' opening of the massive white petals. This species is famous for its rapid bloom cycle, and a shot every 10-15 minutes will reveal the flower's dramatic transformation from a tight green cone to a 12-inch wide starburst.
For those interested in the 'wildlife' aspect of the tree, focus your lens on the center of the flower. Use a macro setting if your camera supports it, or place the camera close enough to trigger on the movement of Nitidulid beetles. These are the primary pollinators and are most active in the early morning and late evening when the flower's scent is strongest. Avoid using a heavy flash, as the white petals are highly reflective and will easily overexpose in your footage; natural, filtered light is your best friend for these bright white blooms.
Placement is key to capturing the tree's unique leaf structure. Because the leaves can reach two feet in length, they catch even the slightest breeze. This can lead to thousands of false 'motion' triggers if your sensitivity is too high. Decrease the motion sensitivity and set a 'retrigger' delay of at least 5 minutes. If you want to see the leaves 'dance,' aim the camera to catch the silvery undersides of the foliage, which creates a shimmering effect in the wind that is quite striking on video.
Finally, don't pack the camera away once the flowers fade. In late summer and early autumn, the tree produces rose-colored, cone-like fruit. Setting your camera to capture birds like Northern Cardinals or Brown Thrashers that come to feast on the bright red seeds as they emerge from the cone provides excellent backyard action. For the best color accuracy, ensure your white balance is set to 'Cloudy' or 'Shade' to prevent the deep forest greens from appearing too blue.
Similar Species
Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Ashe's magnolia.
Frequently Asked Questions
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