Last updated on September 30th, 2023 at 06:32 am
Adding trees with large leaves is an excellent choice if you want to make a statement in your yard or garden. Not only do these trees provide ample shade and texture, but they also make for stunning focal points with their impressive foliage. And while you may think that such trees are only found in tropical locations or shaded areas, several varieties thrive in North America’s climates. So, without further ado, let’s explore 12 of the best large-leaf trees in your yard. Get ready to add some serious impact to your outdoor space!
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What types of plants have big leaves?
Plants with big leaves can add a bold and tropical jungle vibe to your garden. Most plants with large leaves are palms from tropical locations or plants that grow in the shade. However, several trees grow quite well in North America and have exceptionally large leaves. These trees can be a fantastic way to create shade or impact by adding a specimen tree that stands out while establishing texture in an otherwise seemingly flat space.
Some examples of trees with large leaves that you can add to your yard include the catalpa tree, the American sycamore tree, the sweetgum tree, the magnolia tree, the tulip tree, the pawpaw tree, the umbrella tree, the banana shrub, the hardy rubber tree, and the Japanese aralia.
The 12 best trees with large leaves to grow in your garden
If you want to add visual interest and texture to your garden, consider planting a tree with large leaves. These 12 trees thrive in North American climates and will make a statement in your yard.
- Sugar Maple
- London Planetree
- Sycamore
- Bigleaf Magnolia
- Fiddle Leaf Fig
- Australian Banyan
- Northern Catalpa
- Bur Oak
- Oregon Maple
- Royal Paulownia / Foxglove Tree
- Indian Bean Tree
- Chocolate Tree
1. Sugar Maple [Acer saccharum]
Sugar Maple, also known as Acer saccharum, is a deciduous tree that makes a great addition to any landscape. It’s known for its large leaves that provide a burst of color, making it a popular choice for those who want a large shade tree or a specimen that stands out.
Although its leaves may not be the largest on this list, they are green on both upper and lower surfaces, making them unique.
Sugar maples are found in Western Maryland and are often tapped as a source of maple syrup.
The plant type is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 80 feet tall and 50 feet wide. Its growth rate is slow to medium, so reaching its full size will take some time. The leaf color is green, and the leaf shape is typically five-lobed, with each lobe having a sharp point.
Despite its many positive features, there are some downsides to planting a Sugar Maple. It’s not very tolerant of urban pollution and may not do well in heavily congested areas. Additionally, it’s not a good choice for a street tree, as it cannot tolerate road salt. Finally, it is susceptible to certain pests and diseases, such as leaf and tar spots.
2. London Planetree [Platanus × acerifolia]
London Planetree, scientifically known as Platanus × acerifolia, is a hybrid between two sycamore species, Platanus orientalis, and Platanus occidentalis.
This deciduous tree is known for its huge leaves that provide beautiful shade, making it a perfect choice for lining streets. The tree is highly tolerant to urban pollution and road salt, making it an ideal option for urban areas.
The lovely green hues of the foliage create a beautiful sight that can’t be overlooked, especially when it provides much-needed shade against scorching urban streets.
The London Planetree is a large tree that can grow up to 20-30 meters tall, exceptionally over 40 meters tall, with a trunk up to 3 meters or more in circumference.
The tree bark is usually pale grey-green, smooth and exfoliating, or buff-brown and not exfoliating. The leaves are thick, stiff-textured, broad, palmately lobed, and superficially maple-like, with the leaf blade 10-20 cm long and 12-25 cm broad.
3. Sycamore [Platanus occidentalis]
Sycamore [Platanus occidentalis] is an impressive deciduous tree with unique features. One of its most striking characteristics is its large tree leaves measuring 4 to 9 inches long.
The leaves are simple, alternate, ovate or star-shaped, bright green and smooth on top, and paler green and pubescent underneath. They have lobed and incised margins, and their venation is palmate or pinnate. The tree sheds its leaves in the fall, turning yellow before falling, but they are not showy.
The sycamore’s ability to grow such big leaves is due to its large size, which allows it to have a robust vascular system that can transport water and nutrients to all parts of the tree.
It’s a massive tree that can grow up to 30 to 40 m (98 to 131 ft) high and 1.5 to 2 m (4.9 to 6.6 ft) in diameter in deep soils. The largest specimens can reach up to 53 m (174 ft) in height and nearly 4 m (13 ft) in diameter.
Sycamore is hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 9, which means it can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F to 20°F. The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
4. Bigleaf Magnolia [Magnolia macrophylla]
Bigleaf Magnolia, also known as Magnolia macrophylla, is a deciduous tree native to North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. It’s a tree well known for its large leaves, the largest of any tree native to North America, measuring up to 30 inches long.
This tree is an excellent choice for gardens and landscaping, providing a beautiful and impactful visual presence with its huge leaves and fragrant white blooms.
Bigleaf Magnolia is a slow-growing tree with a moderate growth rate, typically reaching heights of 20 feet in favorable conditions. It can grow up to 40 feet tall with a spread of 30 feet. The tree features enormous green and gray oblong leaves with a silver-gray thin bark.
The fragrant, creamy-white flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and can grow up to 12 inches in size. After the flowers appear, the tree produces showy, three-inch-long red fruits shaped like eggs that attract birds.
It’s a low-maintenance tree that requires moderate watering and fertilization and thrives in rich, moist, and well-draining soils. With its slow to moderate growth rate, this tree can be a long-lasting addition to any landscape. So, if you’re looking for a tree that will make a statement in your garden, Bigleaf Magnolia is worth considering!
5. Fiddle Leaf Fig [Ficus lyrata]
Fiddle Leaf Fig [Ficus lyrata] is a popular indoor tree boasting large, heavily veined, glossy violin-shaped leaves that grow upright on a sleek trunk. This tree is perfect as a room’s focal point if you can situate it in a floor-standing container.
Most indoor specimens reach around 10 feet tall, and it’s a fairly fast grower, making it a popular choice for indoor gardening enthusiasts.
One of the reasons why it has big leaves is to maximize its exposure to sunlight and photosynthesis, which helps the tree grow and thrive.
In addition to its impressive appearance and easy-to-grow nature, Fiddle Leaf Fig is known for its air-purifying qualities, making it a great addition to any indoor space. While it may require some care and attention to keep it healthy and thriving, the rewards of having this beautiful tree in your home are well worth the effort.
Fiddle Leaf Fig will be a stunning and unique indoor tree that will add a touch of elegance and natural beauty to your space. With its big leaves, easy care requirements, and air-purifying properties, this tree will surely become a beloved addition to your home.
6. Australian Banyan [Ficus Macrophylla]
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The Australian Banyan, also known as Ficus Macrophylla, is a beautiful tree that belongs to the fig family. This tree species is known for its impressive root structure, often used to strangle or choke competing flora. However, the large, dark green leaves make this tree species even more stunning. These leaves are impressive, not only because of their size but also because of their shape, which adds to the tree’s overall beauty.
It’s native to subtropical locations in Asia and is not known to grow well in most areas of the United States. However, it can thrive in areas of California and Florida.
Regarding its growth rate, the Australian Banyan is a slow-growing tree that requires partial shade and sandy, loamy soil. This tree species rarely flowers outside its native range.
Thus, the Australian Banyan is a stunning tree species that adds beauty to subtropical locations in Asia, California, and Florida.
While it may not be suitable for all private gardens due to its aggressive root system, it’s widely used as a feature tree in public parks and gardens in warmer climates. So, if you ever visit these areas, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the Australian Banyan!
7. Northern Catalpa [Catalpa speciosa]
Northern Catalpa, also known as Catalpa speciosa, is a beautiful deciduous tree native to North America. The tree is famous for its stunning blooms and long bean-like seed pods that can grow over a foot long. However, this tree stands out because of its large heart-shaped leaves that can reach a foot long.
The foliage is beautiful throughout the summer and provides a welcoming shade, making it a fantastic flowering specimen tree that will stop people in their tracks when it is in bloom and beckon them to relax in its shade on a hot summer day. The leaves are soft and hairy underneath, which helps to protect them from harsh weather conditions.
It’s a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 15-30 meters tall with a trunk up to 1 meter in diameter. Its moderate growth rate makes it an excellent choice for landscaping projects.
The flowers are trumpet-shaped, 3-6 cm across, and grow in panicles of 10-30. The tree’s blooms are white with yellow stripes and purple spots inside, making them a beautiful sight. The flowering season starts in late spring or early summer; the tree is the last to grow leaves in spring.
The tree’s large heart-shaped leaves and stunning blooms make it a fantastic flowering specimen tree that will add beauty and shade to any garden or park. While the tree is susceptible to pests and diseases, regular care and maintenance can help prevent these issues. Overall, the Northern Catalpa is a wonderful addition to any landscape providing beauty and shade for years.
8. Bur Oak [Quercus macrocarpa]
Bur Oak, scientifically known as Quercus macrocarpa is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height and is known for having the largest leaves of all the oaks. The majestic tree captivates people and creates scale in larger spaces.
It’s a slow-growing oak with a growth rate of 30 centimeters per year when young. However, a well-established tree can grow up to 50 cm per year. A 20-year-old tree will be about 18 meters tall if grown in full sun. The tree is known to live for 200 to 300 years and may even live up to 400.
The Bur oak tree has 7-15 cm long leaves and 5-13 cm broad, with a lobed margin. The basal two-thirds of the leaves are narrower and deeply lobed, while the apical third is wider and has shallow lobes or large teeth.
The leaves usually do not show strong fall color, although fine golden hues are occasionally seen. The large leaves help create a fantastic verdant showpiece poised in a landscape.
While it is susceptible to some pests and diseases, it is generally a hardy tree that can thrive in USDA zones 3-8. The Bur oak is a showstopper and a fantastic addition to any garden or landscape. So, if you’re looking for a tree that can provide shade, beauty, and a sense of scale, the Bur oak is an excellent choice.
9. Oregon Maple [Acer macrophyllum]
The Oregon Maple, also known as the Bigleaf Maple, is a deciduous, long-lived tree native to the Pacific Northwest. It’s the largest North American Maple and is easily distinguished from others in the soapberry family by its unusually large, palmate leaves measuring up to 30 cm (12 in) wide and almost as long.
These leaves are a singular feature of the tree, and its branches grow in an opposite formation, spreading into a domed canopy at maturity.
The young bark is smooth and grayish-brown, becoming red-brown and deeply fissured with age.
Not only is it the tallest maple in North America, reaching over 30 m (100 ft) in some areas, but it is also a favorite among gardeners as a shade or specimen tree as it makes an excellent focus in the middle of a shade garden.
10. Royal Paulownia / Foxglove Tree [Paulownia tomentosa]
The Royal Paulownia, also known as the Foxglove Tree, is a deciduous tree native to China that is widely grown for its giant leaves and beautiful panicles of foxglove-shaped blooms.
This fast-growing tree can reach a height of 12 meters and a spread of 8 meters, making it an excellent choice for creating a shady spot in the garden.
The biggest leaves of the Foxglove Tree are due to pruning to the ground each year in late winter. This results in strong, vigorous growth with huge leaves.
The tree’s big leaves can be heart-shaped to five-lobed and arranged in opposite pairs on the stem. On young growth, the leaves may be in whorls of three and be much bigger than those on more mature growth. The leaves are green, and the tree produces fragrant, large, violet-blue flowers.
The violet-blue flowers are produced before the leaves in early spring, on panicles 10-30 centimeters long, with a tubular purple corolla 4-6 centimeters long resembling a foxglove flower. Hence, the Royal Paulownia is a stunning deciduous tree that can add beauty and shade to any garden.
11. Indian Bean Tree [Catalpa bignonioides]
The Indian Bean Tree, also known as Catalpa bignonioides, is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow above 12 meters and has a wide spread of over 8 meters. One of the reasons why this tree is so popular is because of its large, ovate-shaped, golden-yellow leaves that can grow up to 30cm long.
The leaves turn pale yellow-green to green in summer, giving the tree a vibrant and unique appearance. The Indian Bean Tree is an excellent tree to add to your garden to create a beautiful and eye-catching focal point. Its unique foliage and stunning flowers make it a superb addition to any garden.
It’s generally pest-free and requires regular fertilization to maintain optimum growth and health. If you want to add a touch of golden yellow to your garden, the Indian Bean Tree is an excellent choice. With its moderate to fast growth rate, you can enjoy the beauty of this tree for years to come. So, why not add an Indian Bean Tree to your garden today and enjoy its beauty? Happy gardening!
12. Chocolate Tree [Coccoloba gigantifolia]
Coccoloba gigantifolia, commonly known as the Chocolate Tree or Palo de Rosa, is a fascinating plant with unique characteristics. It’s a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Polygonaceae and can be found in the rainforests of Central and South America.
This tree can grow up to 49 feet (15 meters) tall and has leaves that can reach up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) in length with a breadth of 4 ft 7 in (1.40 meters), making it the largest leaf in the world.
The leaves of Coccoloba gigantifolia are a mechanism for capturing sunlight in the shaded rainforest environment, regulating temperature, and conserving water.
What to consider when choosing a tree with big leaves
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When choosing a tree with big leaves, there are several factors to consider, such as:
- Size
- Shape
- Color
- Life Span
- Buds and Flowers
- Fruits
- Wildlife value
- Soil requirements
- Maintenance
- Shade
- Disease resistance
Size
Size should be a crucial consideration when choosing a tree with big leaves. A big and bright room like a great room, sunroom, large foyer, or atrium is necessary to accommodate the tree’s eventual size and show off its spectacular leaves.
Trees with large leaves can grow quite massive, and ensuring that the tree has enough elbow and ceiling room to thrive is crucial. Selecting the appropriate room allows you to add a specimen tree that stands out while establishing texture in an otherwise seemingly flat space.
Shape
Trees with big leaves tend to have a larger canopy size, requiring more growing space. Choosing a big and bright room, like a great room, sunroom, large foyer, or atrium, can provide the elbow and ceiling room needed to accommodate the tree’s eventual size.
Additionally, the tree’s shape can contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the space. Trees with alternate leaves in various shapes can add texture and visual interest to an otherwise flat space. Therefore, considering the tree’s shape is crucial when choosing one with big leaves.
Color
The color of the leaves can add depth and contrast to your landscape design and create a focal point. For instance, a tree with dark green leaves can provide a lush and calming effect, while a tree with variegated leaves can add a pop of color and create a striking contrast.
Therefore, it is essential to choose a tree with big leaves that complements the existing colors in your yard and fits your aesthetic preferences.
Life Span
When choosing a tree with big leaves, it is crucial to consider its life span. Trees with large leaves tend to grow slowly and take longer to mature. Therefore, selecting a tree that can survive for a long time is essential to enjoy its beauty and benefits.
Additionally, planting a tree with a long life span provides shade, improves air quality, and provides other ecological benefits for many years. So, research and choose a tree species with a long life span to enjoy its beauty and benefits for generations.
Buds and Flowers
Buds are the small, undeveloped growths on trees that eventually become leaves, flowers, or fruit. Depending on the species, buds can be of various sizes, shapes, and colors. On the other hand, flowers are a tree’s reproductive structures and come in various colors, shapes, and sizes.
They can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding to your yard’s biodiversity. Choosing trees with huge leaves with attractive buds and flowers can create a stunning focal point in your landscape, providing visual interest throughout the growing season.
Fruits
When choosing trees with oversized leaves, it’s crucial to consider the fruit it produces. Fruit-bearing trees add visual interest to your landscape and provide a food source for wildlife that humans can enjoy.
Fruit trees often have attractive blooms in the spring and vibrant foliage in the fall, adding even more beauty to your yard. By selecting trees with large leaves and fruit, you can create a stunning focal point that is visually appealing and functional.
Wildlife value
Trees with large leaves provide shelter and habitat for various wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and insects. The leaves also provide food for some species, and their decomposition contributes to the nutrient cycle of the ecosystem.
By selecting a tree with large leaves that benefits wildlife, you can create a thriving and sustainable ecosystem in your yard. So, make sure to choose a tree that looks beautiful and adds value to the environment.
Soil requirements
The soil type and quality can significantly affect the growth and health of the tree, which in turn affects the size and appearance of its leaves. For example, some trees with large leaves, such as the magnolia, require well-draining soil rich in nutrients.
On the other hand, some trees, like the pawpaw, prefer slightly acidic soil. Therefore, it is essential to research the specific soil requirements of the tree you want to plant to ensure its success.
Maintenance
Trees with large leaves often require more upkeep than those with smaller leaves. The leaves can create more debris and require more frequent cleaning. Additionally, larger leaves can be more susceptible to wind, pests, and disease damage.
Regular pruning, fertilization, and pest management may be necessary to keep the tree healthy. By carefully considering maintenance requirements, you can ensure that your tree with big leaves remains healthy and vibrant for years.
Shade
Trees with large leaves can provide ample shade, making them ideal for outdoor spaces such as a great room, sunroom, large foyer, or atrium. These indoor trees need ample elbow and ceiling room to accommodate their eventual size and show off their spectacular leaves.
Adding a tree with large leaves can be a fantastic way to create shade or impact by adding a specimen tree that stands out while establishing texture in an otherwise seemingly flat space. Therefore, it is essential to consider the shade you need before choosing a tree with big leaves.
Disease resistance
When choosing a tree with big leaves, it is essential to consider disease resistance as it can affect the overall health and longevity of the tree. The trees mentioned in this guide are mostly resistant to anthracnose and verticillium wilt, common diseases that can affect trees with large leaves. Anthracnose can cause leaf spots, defoliation, and twig dieback.
In contrast, verticillium wilt can cause discoloration and wilting of leaves and branches. By selecting a tree resistant to these diseases, you can ensure that your tree will have a better chance of thriving in your chosen location. Remember that trees are a long-term investment, and choosing a disease-resistant tree can save you time and money in the long run.
FAQs
Listed below are the common questions about trees with big leaves:
What are the benefits of planting bigleaf trees?
Planting bigleaf trees can provide shade, add texture to a flat landscape, and create a stunning specimen tree. They are a great way to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your yard and can thrive in North American climates.
What kind of tree has huge leaves?
The tropical tree with the largest leaves is the Raphia regalis, also known as the “Queen Palm.” In North America, trees with large leaves include the Catalpa, Magnolia, and Sycamore.
What tree has large leaves in North America?
The bigleaf magnolia is the tree with the largest leaves native to North America. Its leaves can measure up to 30 inches long and are suited for partial shade with loamy, moist, well-drained soil. Hardy, in USDA zones 5-8, boasts beautiful fragrant white blooms.
Which tree has the largest simple leaves?
The pawpaw tree (Asimina triloba) has the largest simple leaves of any native North American tree. They can grow up to 12 inches long and 6 inches wide.
Why do some plants have big leaves?
Plants have big leaves for various reasons, including maximizing photosynthesis, regulating temperature, conserving water, and deterring predators. Large leaves also provide shade and add texture to a garden.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating trees with big leaves into your yard can be an excellent way to add texture, shade, and visual interest to your outdoor space. From the large, fan-shaped leaves of the Ginkgo Biloba to the tropical-looking foliage of the Catalpa Tree, various options can thrive in North American climates. Whether you’re looking for a dramatic specimen tree or a shade tree to cool off during hot summer days, there’s a tree out there with big leaves that can fit the bill. So go ahead and add one (or more!) of these large leaf trees to your yard and enjoy the beauty and benefits they bring.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor