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large leaf deciduous trees

Large leaf deciduous trees add drama, beauty, and generous shade to gardens and landscapes across New Zealand. With their bold foliage and seasonally changing character, these trees create strong visual statements through spring, summer, and spectacular autumn. They are ideal for home gardeners, parks, farm shelterbelts, and avenues, offering habitat for wildlife, cooling outdoor spaces, and delivering a classic sense of grandeur. Whether you’re after a single specimen for your backyard or multiple trees for a landscape project, exploring large leaf deciduous trees will reward you with year-round appeal.

Fagus sylvatica (European Beech) specimen tree with emerging green foliage.

Fagus sylvatica

Fagus sylvatica, commonly known as the Common Beech or European Beech, is a large, deciduous tree that grows with a broad, spreading crown. The leaves emerge yellow-green in spring, age to become glossy and dark green, then turn a russet-brown colour in autumn as they die off.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 30.00 m
Spread: 15.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Formal, Japanese
A large Tilia platyphyllos tree in a park.

Tilia platyphyllos

Tilia platyphyllos (Large-Leaved Linden) is a magnificent deciduous tree admired for its large heart shaped leaves, fragrant pale yellow flowers, and broad spreading canopy. It is an outstanding shade and feature tree for parks, avenues, and spacious gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 20.00 m
Spread: 10.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Japanese
carpinus-betulus-4
Carpinus betulus

Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) is a handsome deciduous tree valued for its dense leafy canopy, attractive fluted grey trunk, and brilliant golden autumn...

From$192.51
An Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) specimen tree in autumn with orange foliage.
Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)

Acer saccharum, commonly known as the Sugar Maple, is a large, deciduous tree grown for its bright autumn foliage and fabled maple syrup. The leaves...

From$249.95
A Liquidambar 'Burgundy' specimen tree with dark red autumn foliage.
Liquidambar styraciflua 'Burgundy'

Liquidambar ‘Burgundy’ is a magnificent deciduous tree known for its rich, long lasting autumn foliage in deep burgundy to purple tones. Its star...

From$536.65
zelkova-serrata-
Zelkova serrata

Zelkova serrata is an impressive deciduous tree valued for its graceful branching, attractive green foliage, and colourful autumn display. The finely...

From$323.65
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Fraxinus 'Green Glow'

Fraxinus 'Green Glow' is an attractive deciduous tree valued for its fresh green foliage, upright form, and dependable seasonal structure. The leafy...

From$511.09
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Acer platanoides Nigrum

Acer platanoides 'Nigrum' is a striking deciduous tree valued for its large deep purple foliage and impressive shade creating canopy. The richly...

From$299.95
nyssa-sinensis-6
Nyssa sinensis

Nyssa sinensis (Chinese Tupelo) is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its graceful form, glossy green foliage, and spectacular autumn colour. As...

From$404.59
An avenue of Platanus acerifolia (London Plane trees).
Platanus acerifolia

Platanus acerifolia, commonly known as the London Plane Tree, is a large, deciduous tree grown for its foliage, stature, and showy fruits. The...

From$387.55
magnolia-denudata-gere-4
Magnolia denudata 'Gere'

Magnolia denudata 'Gere' is a magnificent deciduous tree celebrated for its large, fragrant white flowers that appear in late winter and early spring...

From$387.55
A Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves' tree.
Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves'

Pyrus 'Autumn Leaves' is an ornamental pear admired for its vibrant autumn colour display. This deciduous tree produces lush green foliage through...

From$515.35
Alnus rubra (Red Alder) specimen tree.
Alnus rubra

Alnus rubra (Red Alder) is a strong growing deciduous tree valued for its upright form and ability to thrive in a wide range of New Zealand...

From$259.75
tilia-cordata-1
Tilia cordata

Tilia cordata (Small Leaved Lime) is a majestic deciduous tree admired for its symmetrical form, heart shaped green leaves, and highly fragrant pale...

From$515.35
prunus-tai-haku-2
Prunus 'Tai Haku'

Prunus 'Tai Haku' is a spectacular deciduous flowering tree valued for its exceptionally large white spring blossoms and elegant spreading form. The...

From$349.95
A Quercus robur (English Oak) specimen tree.
Quercus robur

Quercus robur, commonly known as the English Oak tree or Pedunculate Oak, is a large and stately, deciduous tree. This Oak tree typically grows to 25...

From$279.95
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
fagus-sylvatica-purpurea-1
Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea'

Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea', commonly known as the Copper Beech Tree, grows as a stately, deciduous tree with a broad and spreading crown of...

From$387.55
prunus-yedoensis-6
Prunus yedoensis

Prunus yedoensis is a beautiful deciduous flowering tree valued for its abundant spring blossom and graceful spreading form. Masses of pale pink buds...

From$349.95
Pecan 'Lucas' brown nuts.
Pecan carya 'Lucas'

Pecan 'Lucas' is a high quality nut producing tree valued for its consistent yields and excellent flavoured pecans. This proven variety performs well...

From$383.29
Cornus 'Southern Cross' white flowers with lush, green foliage.
Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross'

Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross' features large and showy, white flowers which adorn the tree in spring and are followed by red berries in autumn. It...

From$340.69
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Prunus 'Ichiyo'

Prunus 'Ichiyo' is an elegant deciduous flowering tree prized for its spectacular spring blossom and graceful spreading form. Large clusters of soft...

From$399.95
A Ginkgo 'Jade Butterflies' specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
Ginkgo 'Jade Butterflies'

Ginkgo 'Jade Butterflies' is a smaller variety of Ginkgo biloba, grown for its showy and colourful foliage. This deciduous tree has distinctive...

From$387.55
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
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Prunus 'Pink Cloud'

Prunus 'Pink Cloud' is an attractive deciduous flowering tree valued for its beautiful pink spring blossom and elegant garden form. The branches...

From$279.95
A colourful Ginkgo biloba specimen tree with yellow, autumn foliage.
Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as the Maidenhair Tree, is a deciduous tree grown for its form, foliage, and rich autumn colours. It produces...

From$387.55
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Ginkgo biloba Pendula

Ginkgo biloba 'Pendula' is a distinctive deciduous tree valued for its unusual weeping form, fan shaped foliage, and brilliant autumn colour. The...

From$387.55
Sophora tetraptera (Large-leaved Kowhai) yellow flowers.
Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora tetraptera, commonly known as the Large Leaved Kowhai, is a striking New Zealand native tree admired for its bold foliage and spectacular...

From$24.15
magnolia-strawberry-fields-1
Magnolia 'Strawberry Fields'

Magnolia 'Strawberry Fields' is a striking deciduous tree prized for its richly coloured spring flowers and attractive garden form. The large blooms...

From$515.35
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Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra'

Magnolia liliiflora 'Nigra' is a striking deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its richly coloured spring flowers and compact garden form. The...

From$270.40
magnolia-campbellii-charles-raffill-2
Magnolia 'Charles Raffill'

Magnolia 'Charles Raffill' is an impressive deciduous tree prized for its spectacular spring flowers and handsome garden form. The large blooms...

From$515.35
Fagus sylvatica

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Carpinus, and Fagus, or related Categories - Deciduous Trees, and Maple Tree.

Search large leaf deciduous trees

Why Choose Large Leaf Deciduous Trees?

Large leaf deciduous trees provide more than impressive foliage. Their expansive canopies can transform a sun-drenched lawn into a cool retreat during summer months. In autumn, the leaves put on a vibrant show, carpeting the ground in golds, reds, and coppers before dropping and letting winter sunlight through. Many species produce attractive flowers or fruit, supporting pollinators and birdlife.

Their seasonal leaf fall also improves soil richness as organic matter breaks down, making them ideal companions for lush, healthy gardens. Large leaf deciduous trees can also serve as windbreaks or privacy screens, and are highly valued for their carbon-sequestering capacity.

Top Picks for Large Leaf Deciduous Trees

When it comes to selecting the right large leaf deciduous tree for your property, it’s worth considering both classic and lesser-known varieties that thrive in New Zealand conditions.

Tilia platyphyllos (Large-leaved Lime)

For a standout deciduous specimen, Tilia platyphyllos (Large-leaved Lime) is hard to surpass. Its broad, heart-shaped leaves provide dense summer shade, while clusters of fragrant flowers attract bees in early summer. This majestic tree suits larger gardens, avenues, or park-like settings.

Fraxinus excelsior aurea

The Fraxinus excelsior aurea, or Golden Ash, is well-regarded for its generous crown of pinnate leaves that turn buttery yellow in autumn. Its open structure makes it an excellent choice for areas where filtered light is welcome, such as lawns or along driveways.

Aesculus hippocastanum Baumannii

If you love showy spring blossoms and bold foliage, Aesculus hippocastanum Baumannii, the double-flowered horse chestnut, is a favourite. Its large, palmate leaves bring a lush, exotic look, while its impressive size makes it ideal for spacious gardens, estates, or reserves.

Ulmus glabra pendula (Weeping Elm)

For strong architectural form, Ulmus glabra pendula (Weeping Elm) offers broad leaves and gracefully cascading branches. Its unique habit makes it both a focal point and a reliable shade provider in larger landscapes.

Fig Mrs Williams

For those seeking both ornamental value and edible rewards, the Fig Mrs Williams provides large, deeply lobed leaves that create a Mediterranean feel, along with luscious fruit harvests in late summer and autumn.

Planting and Care Tips

To get the most from large leaf deciduous trees, plant them in well-drained soil, allowing enough space for roots and canopy development. Mulch annually and water consistently during establishment. Prune as needed to shape young trees or remove dead wood, supporting a healthy, enduring structure.

Browse our full selection of large leaf deciduous trees for more inspiration, and let us help you find the perfect tree for your location and lifestyle.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Ficus Tuffi and Coprosma acerosa turn heads, but Michelia 'Princess Isabella', Callistemon 'Red Alert', and Grevillea 'Fireworks' quietly charm the most seasoned gardeners.
–The Plant Company

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