Magnolia macrophylla, or bigleaf magnolia, native to southeastern US and eastern Mexico, is known for its showy, fragrant flowers and fruit that attract birds, although it typically takes 12 to 15 years for flowers to begin blooming. It thrives in moist, well-drained, organic-rich soils and prefers sun to part shade in sheltered environments. While low maintenance, it can be messy due to large leaves, flowers, and fruit that create litter, especially in fall. The tree can suffer from branch breakage in windstorms, but it has no major insect or disease issues. It tolerates both acidic and alkaline soils, making it a good choice for residential landscapes.