Magnified Magnolia

The word “huge” has lost credibility this past year by its hyperbolic overuse. However it aptly describes this ridiculously oversized magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) native to the South East U.S. It not only possesses the largest simple leaf of any deciduous tree native to the lower 48 states, it also bears the largest flower, thus earning the truly awesome name “cowcumber” (not to be confused with the botany-themed metal band brewing in my mind). I am only aware of only one specimen growing in the Twin Cities which appears to have thrived for over a decade with no winter damage and is now a stunning 25″ tree. The enormous, if fleeting flowers eventually give rise to massive seed pods that slowly reveal a bounty of scarlet-orange seeds com early autumn. Trees can reach 40′ with a 20-30″ upright crown.