Description

General aspect and origins - Magnolia tripetala is also known as the umbrella magnolia. It is a decidious tree which is native to Eastern and Southeastern USA, and more precisely to Pennsylvania, Missouri and Kentucky. Its crown is spreading with age, hence its common name umbrella magnolia. Moreover, it has a light grey and smooth bark.
Leaves - Leaves are oblanceolate to elliptic, and are lighter and slightly pubescent on the lower face. They are decidious, alternate and entire, and are up to 20 inches and more long. Leaves, which can be damaged by strong winds, have an interesting red-brown color in fall.
Flowers - Flowers are white to white-cream, and bloom in mid-spring. They are about 7 to 10 inches wide, and have a slightly unpleasant smell when close from the flowers.
Fruits - Fruits of the umbrella magnolia are up to 4 in long. They are conical and are not edible.

Culture

This tree is a relatively fast grower, and is very frost-hardy, as it will withstand USDA zones 5-6 winters. It only dislikes strong winds, so it should be grown in protected areas.
Soil - The umbrella magnolia dislikes alcaline soils. Instead, it prefers a fairly moist (but not too moist) and drained, neutral to acidic ground.

Propagation

This magnolia can be propagated by seeds or by cuttings. When sown, seeds germinate in about 4 to 6 weeks. Cuttings should be prepared in mid-summer.