Form: This is a medium to large tree 80 - 90 ft. in height with a dbh of 3 - 4 ft.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: alternate; simple

Shape: broadly elliptical to ovate

Margin: entire

Texture: glabrous, thin

Venation: parallel

Bark: The bark is thin and gray or yellowed brown when young becoming shallowly furrowed with narrow scaly ridges.

Twigs and buds: It has a white & pubescent bud. The stipule scar encircles twig.

Flowers and fruit: It has golden yellow to greenish yellow flowers and a cylindrical to ovid, long and red fruit.

Distinguishing characteristics: Look for the red-brown colored twig and very large leaves. It's yellowish bark contrasts with gray bark of the other magnolias.

Range: Found throughout the middle and southern Appalachian mountains and in sporadic patches in the south.

Silvics: It is intermediately tolerant of shade and prefers coves, moist slopes, and/or loose fertile soils

Ecological and cultural importance: It is a preferred food by beaver. Wood is mixed with yellow poplar. Lumber used for furniture, doors, and boxes.