Species Profiles Quiz GSMNP View

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umbrella magnolia (Magnolia tripetala)
Family: Magnoliaceae

 

A table detailing the characteristics of the umbrella magnolia

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Form:

This is a small tree reaching a maximum height of 35 ft. It develops a narrow crown.

Form of an umbrella magnolia

Leaves:
 Arrangement: alternate

 Shape: 16-22 in.long; oblong to obovate

 Margin: entire

 Texture: shiny above and paler below

Leaves of an umbrella magnolia

Bark:

The bark is thin, brown, smooth to lightly scaly, and can have raised lenticels.

Bark of an umbrella magnolia

Twigs and Buds:

It has a long purplish-green terminal bud.

Twig and bud of an umbrella magnolia

Flowers and Fruit:

It develops large creamy white flowers with bright red seed pods.

Flowers and fruit of an umbrella magnolia

Distinguishing Characteristics:

The large leaves are clustered at the end of the twigs. In order to distinguish it from Fraser magnolia, check the base of the leaf. Umbrella magnolia is pointed at both ends while Fraser has a notch at the base of the leaf.

Range:

It occurs in southern Pennsylvania south to Mississippi, and west to east Oklahoma.

Silvics:

It has intermediate tolerance of shade and prefers moist bottoms or coves.