Trees With Large Leaves: The Perfect Shade Providers

Large leaves on trees provide the perfect shade for a hot summer day. Not only do they keep you cool, they can also be quite beautiful to look at.

There are many different types of trees with large leaves, and each one has its own unique characteristics. In this guide, we will discuss some of the most popular trees with large leaves and their benefits.

Top 10 Trees With Large Leaves

Trees with large leaves are not only aesthetically pleasing, they also provide many benefits. Here are the trees for shade with large leaves:

1. Rafia regalis (Royal palm tree)

The Royal palm tree is a native of tropical America and the Caribbean. It can grow up to 30 meters tall and has large, palmate leaves that can measure up to one meter in width.

The Royal palm tree is a popular choice for shade because it provides excellent coverage from the sun. This tree is also drought-tolerant and can withstand high winds, making it ideal for locations that experience these conditions.

2. Magnolia macrophylla (bigleaf magnolia)

The bigleaf magnolia is a massive tree that can reach heights of over 100 feet. The leaves of this tree can be up to 12 to 36 inches long, making it one of the best trees for providing shade.

The bigleaf magnolia is native to the southeastern United States, and can be found in states like Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. This tree is also known for its beautiful flowers that bloom in the spring.

3. Catalpa tree (Catalpa bignonioides)

The Catalpa tree hails from North America, and can grow to be 40 feet tall. It has large, heart-shaped leaves and produces white flowers in the summer. In the fall, its leaves turn yellow.

The Catalpa tree is a popular choice for shade because it provides good coverage and is also fast-growing. This tree does best in full sun and moist soil. The dark green leaves of the Catalpa tree also provide a beautiful contrast against the white flowers.

4. Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum)

The bigleaf maple is a Native American tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall. It has large, five-lobed leaves that can be as big as 12 inches across.

The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in the spring and winged fruits in the fall. The bigleaf maple is found in the western United States and Canada. Well-drained soil is best for this tree.

5. Coccoloba gigantifolia (Polygonaceae)

Coccoloba gigantifolia is a newly described species from the Brazilian Amazon. It is reportedly the largest-leaved of the world’s trees. These gigantic leaves can measure 200 cm in length. The species is found in the understory of lowland rainforests.

The giant leaves of Coccoloba gigantifolia provide excellent shade for the forest floor beneath them. The leaves also help protect the soil from erosion. This tree is an important species for the Amazonian ecosystem.

6. Ravenala madagascariensis (Traveler's Tree)

The traveler’s tree is a species of banana that is native to Madagascar. The leaves of this tree are large and paddle-shaped, with a length of up to two meters.

The tree gets its name from the fact that the leaves can be used as “plates” or “bowls” for food. Ravenala madagascariensis is a popular ornamental plant, and has been introduced to many tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

7. Lodoicea maldivica (coconut palm)

Lodoicea maldivica, or the coconut palm, is a species of palm that is native to the Maldives and southern India. The coconut palm is grown extensively in tropical regions around the world for its fruit and oil.

The leaves of the coconut palm are large, up to six feet in length, and are used to provide shade and shelter from the sun and rain.

The coconut palm is a popular choice for landscaping in tropical regions, as it is an attractive tree with its large leaves and stately trunk. The tree is also relatively easy to care for, requiring little maintenance once established.

8. Giant Tree Daisy (Podachaenium eminens)

The Giant Tree Daisy is a massive tree that can grow up to 25m tall, and have leaves that are almost a meter long. They are native to Madagascar, but can also be found in other parts of Africa and Asia. The flowers of the Giant Tree Daisy are white with a yellow center, and they bloom from October to February.

The Giant Tree Daisy is an impressive sight, and it is no wonder that they are such a popular choice for gardens and parks. They are relatively easy to care for, and can tolerate most soil types as long as they have good drainage.

9. Kamansi

Kamansi is one of the most popular trees with large leaves in the Philippines. It is a tropical fruit tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall. The leaves of this tree are very large, and they are used to make a variety of dishes.

Kamansi is often used in Filipino cuisine, and it is known for its unique flavor. The leaves of this tree are also used to make a variety of medicines. Kamansi is a popular tree in the Philippines because it has many uses. If you are looking for a tree with large leaves, Kamansi is a great option.

10. Cecropia peltata (Trumpet tree)

The trumpet tree is a large tropical tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. It has large, elliptical leaves that are up to 60 cm long and 30 cm wide. The leaves are dark green and have a leathery texture.

The trumpet tree produces large, bell-shaped flowers that are white with purple streaks. These flowers are up to 15 cm long, and they bloom from June to August. The trumpet tree is native to Central and South America. It is often used as an ornamental plant in tropical gardens.

These are just some of the many trees with large leaves that you can find around the world. These shade trees are perfect for use in your garden or landscape. Planting trees with large leaves is a great way to add beauty and interest to your property.

Benefits of Trees with Large Leaves

Having large leaves comes with a lot of benefits for trees. Here are some of the benefits that trees with large leaves enjoy:

  • Can provide excellent shade - This is especially important in tropical regions where the sun can be very intense. The large leaves of these trees can provide much-needed relief from the heat of the day.
  • Can help to protect the soil from erosion - The leaves of these trees act as a barrier against wind and rain. This helps keep the soil in place and prevents it from being washed away.
  • Can provide food and shelter for animals - The leaves of these trees can provide a source of food and shelter for many animals. This is especially important in tropical rainforests where there are a lot of biodiversities.

As you can see, there are many benefits that trees with large leaves enjoy. If you are looking for a tree to plant in your yard, consider one of these varieties.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, both of these trees have leaves that are less than 12 inches in length. While they do provide some shade, they are not considered to be large shade trees. Oak tree leaves are usually between four and eight inches in length.

A fast-growing shade tree Paulownia tree, also known as the Empress tree, is a fast-growing shade tree with large leaves. It can grow up to 20 feet in just one season. The leaves are heart-shaped and can be up to 12 inches long.

No, the weeping willow is not a good tree for large leaves. The leaves of weeping willow are small and delicate, and they do not provide much shade. Large shade tree leaves are usually more than 12 inches in length.

No, the red maple tree has small leaves. The leaves of a red maple tree are about two to four inches wide.

Yes, dutch elm disease is deadly to all types of elm trees, including the large shade tree American elm. This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the vascular system of the tree. It can kill a large tree in just a few weeks.

Trees with large leaves are the perfect choice for those looking to provide shade and shelter from the sun and rain. These trees are also easy to care for, and can tolerate most soil types. If you are looking for a tree with large leaves, consider one of the varieties listed above.