Magnolias Plant Directory

Magnolia macrophylla ssp. ashei
Epithet: big leaf
Status: endangered
A deciduous magnolia native to Northwest Florida.
Shrub or small tree to 12 m.
Flowers: 15-20 cm diameter flowers occur in late spring and are white with rose-purple blotches on the inner tepals; fruit 4-5 cm long with less than 50 carpels.
Leaves: 25-60 cm long.
The Ashe Magnolia is a rare shrub, exceptionally a small tree, that is found only along the bluffs and ravines adjacent to the Apalachicola River. It resembles the typical subsp. macrophylla, but has shorter, broader leaves, smaller flowers, and longer fruit.
This tree likes loose, undisturbed rich soil (or mulch and compost substitutes) in full sun or part shade with plenty of moisture. This tree will likely succeed in sites that closely mimic its natural habitat and where it is protected from strong wind which can tatter its large foliage. It can be grown farther north than its southernly range suggests.