Big Leaf Magnolia Tree Disease

The Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) adds quite an amazing presence to our natural environment. It has also been called a Large-leaved cucumber tree and an Umbrella tree. It began its primitive existence in North American, as a deciduous tree. It is considered to be one of the older trees in existence. The Bigleaf Magnolia, however, is a tree that, in spite of, its majestic size can also fall victim to certain diseases.

Appearance

The Bigleaf Magnolia can have leaves that are a foot in width, along with flowers close to the same size. The tree itself can reach up to 50 feet tall. It bears fruit that contains red seeds. They have 6 aromatic white petals with a purple and yellow core. Beetles are the most attracted to the sweet fragrance.

Environmental Needs

In order for Bigleaf Magnolia trees to thrive, they require living in a soil that is a balance of acidic to neutral soil. It needs to be moist soil and well-drained. Sun or a small amount of shade is the most suitable.

Diseases

In spite of the magnificence of the Bigleaf Magnolia tree, they can also be prone to diseases. There are a variety of types of fungi that can cause damage to the tree. Bacterial leaf spot can infect plants causing them to develop black or brown water spots on the leaves. Anthracnose causes areas to deaden throughout the sides and across the veins of the leaf. It sometimes involves the whole leaf. It can also work its way to the twigs and shoots.

Insect Damage

There are a wide array of crawling and flying creatures that can have detrimental affects on Bigleaf Magnolia trees. They include:weevils, snails, planthoppers, thrips and scale insects.

Preventative Measures

Leaf disease can be monitored by removing the leaves that are infected. It is a good preventative measure to use chemical products before the leaves become diseased. It is best to use them during the spring when it rains more often causing the diseases to become more rampant. It is useful to do up to three chemical sprayings. In addition, it is helpful to be certain to fertilize the trees after they are dormant and to water them.

References

• Fine Gardening: Magnolia
• Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service: Anthracnose and Other Common Leaf Disease of Deciduous Shade Trees
• Tree Trail: Bigleaf Magnolia