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Umbrella Magnolia Tree
Umbrella Magnolia Tree
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Magnolia tripetala
Umbrella Magnolia
The Umbrella Magnolia is a striking, tropical-looking native tree named for its massive, umbrella-like leaves that can span over 2 feet long. With creamy-white, lemon-scented blooms in late spring and bold red seed cones in fall, this magnolia makes a powerful statement in woodland gardens or shady landscapes.
A showstopper from root to canopy, the Umbrella Magnolia is both a conversation piece and a habitat helper for native wildlife.
Umbrella Magnolia Overview
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
🌿 Botanical Name |
Magnolia tripetala |
|
🏷️ Common Names |
Umbrella Magnolia, Umbrella Tree |
|
🌳 Mature Height |
15–30 feet |
|
🌐 Mature Width |
10–20 feet |
|
📈 Growth Rate |
Moderate (12–24 inches per year) |
|
⏳ Lifespan |
40–80+ years |
|
🧊 USDA Zones |
5–9 |
|
❄️ Chill Hours |
400–600 hours |
|
☀️ Sun Preference |
Partial shade to full sun (best in dappled shade) |
|
🧱 Soil Type |
Moist, rich, well-drained loam |
|
⚖️ Soil pH |
Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0) |
|
💧 Water Needs |
Moderate; prefers consistently moist soil |
|
🌸 Flower Color |
Creamy white; 6–10 inches wide; late spring |
|
🍒 Fruit Type |
Cone-like red aggregate fruit with red seeds |
|
🐝 Pollinators |
Attracts beetles and native pollinators |
|
🌿 Growth Habit |
Upright with a spreading crown |
|
↔️ Spacing |
12–20 ft apart for natural form |
|
🏡 Landscape Uses |
Woodland gardens, specimen tree, shade borders |
|
🧹 Maintenance Level |
Low to moderate |
Environmental Benefits
🌸 Provides large, fragrant blooms for native beetle pollinators
🌱 Serves as a host plant and cover for small mammals and birds
🍂 Adds shade, habitat, and bold structure to forest edges
🌧️ Contributes to soil stabilization on slopes and woodland sites
Pros & Cons
|
✅ Pros |
⚠️ Cons |
|
🌿 Unique, massive leaves add dramatic tropical appeal |
🍃 Leaves can drop suddenly and may create light litter |
|
🌸 Fragrant, creamy-white blooms attract pollinators |
✂️ Can be damaged by high winds due to large foliage |
|
🧬 Native tree with natural woodland character |
🐛 Occasionally affected by scale or leaf spot |
|
🍒 Bold red seed clusters attract birds in fall |
💧 Requires consistently moist soil for best performance |
|
🏡 Thrives in partial shade and rich soils |
🌳 Limited drought tolerance in exposed areas |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Soak roots thoroughly before planting for hydration
🕳️ Dig a wide, shallow hole and plant at existing soil line
🌾 Add mulch 2–3 inches deep to conserve soil moisture
💦 Keep soil evenly moist during establishment and hot spells
✂️ Prune only to remove damaged or crossing branches
🧪 Apply organic compost in spring to support growth
The Umbrella Magnolia is a one-of-a-kind native tree that brings bold texture and serene beauty to shaded landscapes. Its enormous leaves, fragrant flowers, and vibrant fruit make it a perfect focal point for nature lovers and garden designers alike.
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