Magnolia tripetala aka Umbrella Magnolia

Magnolia tripetala is a deciduous tree in the magnolia family. Its common names include umbrella magnolia and umbrella tree. It grows wild in the eastern United States, west to Oklahoma. It lives beneath taller trees in rich, damp woods. Other sites include ravines, mountain slopes, and land beside streams. Much of its range lies in the Appalachian Mountains.

In gardens, it reaches 15–30 feet (4.6–9.1 metres) tall and wide. Some trees reach 45 feet (13.7 metres) in height. RHS gives a taller range of 26–39 feet (8–12 metres). Several trunks often support a loose, spreading crown. The bark stays thin, smooth, and pale gray. Thick twigs change from green to brown as they age. Large buds sit at their tips. The soft wood breaks easily and smells unpleasant when broken.

The large leaves give this tree a coarse look. They reach 2 feet (0.61 metres) long and 0.83 feet (0.25 metres) wide. Each simple leaf has smooth edges and a glossy green surface. Leaves cluster near branch tips, giving rise to the umbrella name. Fall leaves may turn yellow or brown before they drop. Flowers open from April into early June, depending on location. Each cream-white flower forms a cup with six to twelve tepals. Blooms span 0.5–0.83 feet (0.15–0.25 metres) and have an unpleasant scent. Pink to red, cone-shaped fruits contain many follicles. They reach 0.33 feet (0.10 metres) long. Fruits show from July through October and open in fall.

Grow this tree in rich soil that drains well. It prefers acid to neutral soil and steady moisture. Part shade suits it well, though it tolerates deep shade. Full sun also works if the soil stays moist. Avoid both very dry and waterlogged ground. Shelter helps protect its large leaves from wind damage. Hail can also tear the leaves. Sources give USDA zones 5–8, with Chicago extending this to zone 9. RHS rates its UK hardiness as H6.

Use it as a specimen in a shaded lawn or woodland garden. Its bold leaves may be hard to fit into small designs. Birds and mammals use it for food; animals also eat its leaves. Care needs are low, but pests can include scale and yellow poplar weevils. Possible diseases include leaf spot, coral spot, grey mould, and honey fungus. Late frost can harm leaves, buds, and flowers.