Magnolia tripetala (Umbrella Magnolia)

Noted for its enormous leaves, Magnolia tripetala (Umbrella Magnolia) is a remarkable deciduous tree, often multi-trunked, with a broad, open crown of spreading branches. From mid-spring to early summer, large, unpleasantly fragrant, bowl-shaped, creamy-white flowers, 6-8 in. across (15-20 cm), open shortly after the leaves emerge. The blossoms are followed by cone-shaped, rosy-red fruits which ripen in the fall. They are a food source for birds and small mammals. The shiny green, ovate to oblong leaves are huge, up to 24 in. long (60 cm) and 10 in. wide (25 cm). They are clustered at the stem tips and resemble the spokes of an umbrella. The bark is thin and gray. Native to the eastern United States, Umbrella Magnolia occurs naturally in rich, moist woods, ravines, slopes, and along streams. It makes a capital subject as a background for a small lawn where it can be protected from high winds.

• Grows up to 15-30 ft. tall and wide (450-900 cm)
• Performs best in part shade in organically rich, moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Plants will grow in full sun, particularly in the northern climates, as long as soils are kept moist. Tolerates close to full shade. Protection from wind helps to preserve the huge leaves.
• Perfect as a specimen plant.
• Low maintenance, this beautiful tree is not subject to serious insect or disease issues.
• Propagate by seed or greenwood cuttings taken in summer.
• Native to the eastern United States in the Appalachian Mountains, the Ozarks, and the Ouachita Mountains.