Magnolia tripetala

Common Names

Umbrella Magnolia, Umbrella Tree, Elkwood

Summary

Umbrella Magnolia, Magnolia tripetala, is a deciduous understory tree native to the eastern United States, notable for very large leaves up to about 24 inches long clustered at stem tips in umbrella-like whorls, and large creamy-white, malodorous flowers that open in spring, followed by cone-shaped pink fruits in fall, it typically grows 15–30 feet tall and wide, often multi-trunked, with smooth gray bark, and occurs in moist, rich woods, ravines, and along streams, it tolerates close to full shade but can grow in full sun if soils remain moist, and it prefers moist, rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soils; hardy in USDA zones 5–9, it is generally low maintenance, valued as a specimen tree with wildlife benefits, and can be propagated by seed; pests such as magnolia scale and yellow poplar weevils can occur, and avoidance of strong winds helps protect large leaves.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

180-360 inches

Spread

15-30 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade; adaptable to full sun or full shade, with full sun possible if soils are kept moist.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil with a slightly acidic pH

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil pH

4.5-6.5, slightly acidic to neutral (about pH 5.5)

Bloom Color

Creamy white

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Dark green on the upper surface with pale green underneath.

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, beetles are primary pollinators