Family: Magnoliaceae
Author: (L.) L.
Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1082 (1759)
Year: 1759
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Magnolia
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. U.S.A. to Oklahoma
Description
The Umbrella magnolia, scientifically named Magnolia tripetala, is a striking deciduous tree, notable for its broad, umbrella-like leaves which can measure up to 24 inches in length. This remarkable member of the Magnoliaceae family boasts a natural range that spans from Eastern United States to Oklahoma.
Its eye-catching foliage is complemented by large, creamy-white flowers that can reach up to 10 inches in diameter, blooming typically in late spring to early summer. These flowers exude a mild fragrance and consist of six to nine tepals, lending a tropical appearance to the tree and making it a distinctive feature in gardens and natural landscapes alike.
Historically, Magnolia tripetala was formally described and categorized in the “Systema Naturae” ed.10, 2: 1082 in 1759, with the renowned naturalist Carl Linnaeus playing a crucial role in its classification. The genus name “Magnolia” pays homage to the French botanist Pierre Magnol, while the species epithet “tripetala” highlights the plant’s notable three-petal-like structures.
Besides its ornamental value, the Umbrella magnolia plays an ecological role in its native habitat. The tree’s fruit, which matures into cone-like structures filled with striking red seeds, provides a food source for various bird species and small mammals, aiding in seed dispersal.
With its unique aesthetic and ecological contributions, the Umbrella magnolia remains a treasured component of the North American flora, appreciated both for its beauty and its role in the environment.
Common Names
Swe: paraplymagnolia
Eng: umbrella magnolia, umbrella-tree
En: Umbrella magnolia, Umbrella-tree, Magnolia amplissimo flore albo fructu coccineo, Umbrella tree
Cs: Šácholan trojplátečný
Et: Varimagnoolia
De: Schirm-Magnolie
Hu: Ernyős liliomfa
Lt: Triskiautė magnolija
Ru: Магнолия трёхлепестная
Sv: Paraplymagnolia
Synonyms
- Magnolia umbrella (Desr.)
- Magnolia umbellata (Steud.)
- Magnolia michauxii (Fraser ex Thouin)
- Magnolia virginiana var. tripetala (L.)
- Magnolia frondosa (Salisb.)
- Houpoea tripetala ((L.) Sima, S.G.Lu, N.H.Xia & C.Y.Wu)
- Magnolia umbrella var. tripetala ((L.) P.Parm.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Apr 28, 2022 by Myriam Lemieux (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2019 by Bob Arnold (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2022 by nowak Maximilien (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 13, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 11, 2020 by Morgan Evans (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2020 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 13, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 16, 2020 by Pl@ntNet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 16, 2021 by Roman Heinic (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 11, 2021 by Clémentine Vandendael (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 4, 2021 by cdemaeght (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 1, 2020 by Glenn L (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 5, 2022 by Magan Amy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 29, 2021 by maruskay (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2020 by Joe Beal (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 13, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 12, 2021 by George Karpinski (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2020 by Robert Bodollai (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 17, 2022 by brocks bouvien (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 24, 2021 by Peteer Cerny (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Oct 4, 2018 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 14, 2022 by Anita (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 4, 2020 by Lisa S. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 1, 2022 by danika ham (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3153215)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:554866-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Magnolia tripetala (L.) L.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Stem
Growth habit>: Tree
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 5.0