Henry and Betty Wiley
Bigleaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) “Large-leaved Cucumber tree,” “Umbrella Tree”
Given in honor of Henry and Betty Wiley by The Reverend Bob and Donna Sessum, October 2019.
Biography
Henry and Betty Wiley are major pillars of All Saints’. For over a decade during the 1980’s, they were the advisors of the youth group. Admired by the youth as their adult leaders, many activities and adventures were experienced including the annual beach and skiing trips, and the pancake and spaghetti dinners. Betty was the kitchen mastermind. The gals adored Henry and boys knew Betty was there in their best interest. Henry served as property manager, even when Senior Warden, and at each Old Countrie Fair he guarded the property while cooking the pig for delicious BBQ.
Both served on the Vestry and were always available to give of their time and talent without hesitation. Even in the 1990s and into 2000s, this couple continued to be pillars of the congregation. Thanks to them for their servanthood in God’s ministry at All Saints’ Episcopal Church.
BIGLEAF MAGNOLIA Magnolia macrophylla “Large-leaved Cucumber tree”, “Umbrella Tree”
Description: This tree has the largest simple leaves and largest flowers of any tree native to North America. It is a rare, native, deciduous tree that grows 30-40 feet tall and wide. These trees were transplanted from Kings Mountain, SC, a gift to All Saints’ from Harriet and Rick Bender.
Leaves: Are huge and measure 3 feet long and 1 foot wide and are oblong in shape. Color is green and smooth on the upper surface and silvery-white on the underside. They look like tobacco leaves after they have turned brown and fall on the ground in Fall.
Flower: These trees may not flower for 12 or more years. Flowers are large but are often located quite high in the tree making them hard to see. Creamy-white color with rose-purple at the petal bases and measure 8-14 inches in diameter.
Fruit: Initially oval, hairy green cone-like fruits that measure 2-3 inches in length. They mature in late summer into red cones and open to display red-coated seeds.
Bark: Bark is thin, smooth, grayish brown.
Habitat: Grows best in soil with high organic matter. Full sun to partial sun.
Wildlife Value: Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, small mammals, and songbirds.
History: The Bigleaf magnolia was named by Andre Michaux, a French naturalist and explorer who discovered this tree in 1789 in Charlotte, NC. Others report the tree was first discovered by William Bartram around 1775 in Mobile, AL.
Sources: NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/magnolia-macrophylla/ accessed 6-22-2023.