Description

The Large-flowered Magnolia is a large tree with a pyramidal habit, reaching heights of up to 30 metres. Its foliage is evergreen. The leaves are whole, obovate and elliptical, 10 to 20 cm long. They are leathery, shiny green on the upper side and often reddish on the underside. Flowering, which comes late on mature trees (around 25 years old), lasts all summer, from June to September. The large white flowers are highly fragrant and remain on the tree for a long time. The fruit is ovoid and looks a little like a conifer cone. It starts out yellowish green, then gradually turns red. Inside are small, hard, beige seeds covered with a bright red seed coat.

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Origin

The Large-flowered Magnolia is native to the south-east of the United States, from Texas to Virginia, via northern and central Florida. It was introduced to Europe in the 18th century. Admiral Roland-Michel Barrin de la Galissonnière probably imported it to France from the port of Paimboeuf downstream from Nantes in 1711. René Darquistade, mayor of Nantes, also contributed to its spread by planting this species in the greenhouses of his property at La Maillardière in Les Sorinières, south of Nantes.