Umbrella magnolia - Definition

The Umbrella magnolia (Magnolia tripetala) is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States in the Allegheny region. Umbrella magnolias have large shiny leaves 30-50 cm long, spreading from stout stems. In a natural setting the Umbrella magnolia can grow 15 m tall. The flowers are large, 15-25 cm diameter, with six to nine creamy-white petals and a large red style, which later develops into a red fruit 10 cm long, containing several red seeds.

These trees are attractive and easy to grow. The leaves will turn yellow in the autumn. It is also sometimes known as 'Umbrella tree', but this can cause confusion with several other plants sharing that name.