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Magnolia tripetala (Umbrella tree)
Makin, Julie

Magnolia tripetala (L.) L.

Umbrella tree, Umbrella magnolia

Magnoliaceae (Magnolia Family)

USDA Symbol: matr

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Tree with large leaves, very large flowers, and a broad, open crown of spreading branches; often with sprouts at base. The leaves of this 15-45 ft. deciduous magnolia are clustered at the end of stems to resemble an umbrella. Individual leaves are 10-24 in. in length. The showy flowers are 6-8 in. in diameter and creamy-white in color. Their petals are thin and less symetrical than those of other magnolias. The flowers are followed by cone-shaped, rosy-red fruits.

Fairly common at low altitudes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina-Tennessee. The arrangement of spreading leaves somewhat resembles the ribs of an umbrella, hence the common name. The Latin species name, meaning 3 petals, probably refers to the 3 sepals, which are longer than the more numerous petals.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 36-72 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , FL , GA , IN , KY , MA , MD , MO , MS , NC , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , VA , WV
Native Distribution: Irregularly distributed from e. PA to s. IN, s. to n.w. FL & s.e. OK
Native Habitat: Stream banks; swamps; rich woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Moist, rich, acidic, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: A good native deciduous magnolia for some home landscapes, although the large leaves and coarse texture may be cumbersome. The floral scent of umbrella magnolia is rather unpleasant.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Cleaned, fall-sown magnolia seed will sprout the following summer.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA

Bibliography

Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy Wasowski

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From the Archive

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

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Additional resources

USDA: Find Magnolia tripetala in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Magnolia tripetala in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Magnolia tripetala

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-04-12
Research By: TWC Staff

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