umbrella tree
Magnolia tripetala
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size15 to 30 feet tall15 to 30 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Umbrella tree (Magnolia tripetala) is a tree for specimen planting and low maintenance landscapes. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Huge leaves cluster at the stem tips like the spokes of an umbrella. Large creamy-white flowers open after the leaves emerge, and they have an unpleasant scent. Plant it away from strong winds so the leaves do not shred.
Pairs well with Canadian hemlock, Patriot hosta, and Japanese forest grass.
Native range
Eastern North America.