Nomenclature

Common Name:

umbrella magnolia

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Magnolia tripetala

Family:

Magnoliaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

tree

Size:

15-30 (40) ft

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

white

Fruit Color:

red,brown

Phenology:

deciduous

Noted For:

Showy Flowers, Showy Fruits, Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Can be a specimen tree or use in a fairly bright understory. Its irregular branching pattern and large leaves make it best suited to fairly large yards.

Considerations:

Availability:

Native Nurseries, Seed

Propagation:

Seed.

Light:

Full Sun, Part Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Coming Soon!

Somewhat moist, no flooding ---to--- Not wet but not extremely dry

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Loam

Soil pH:

Acidic (4.5-6.5)

Suitable to Grow In:

8A,8B,9A

Ecology

Wildlife:

Pollinators, Birds, Mammals

Beetles are the primary pollinators of magnolia flowers. The flowers have a hardened carpel to avoid damage by their gnawing mandibles as the feed. The beetles are after the protein-rich pollen. Because the beetles are interesting in pollen and pollen alone, the flowers mature in a way that ensures cross pollination. The male parts mature first and offer said pollen. The female parts of the flower are second to mature. They produce no reward for the beetles but are instead believed to mimic the male parts, ensuring that the beetles will spend some time exploring and thus effectively pollinating the flowers ( In Defense of Plants blog).

Good wildlife shelter. Fruits eaten and dispersed by birds and small mammals.

Native Habitats:

Slope forest on steep north-facing slopes.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

General Comments:

The plant is listed as Endangered by the FDACS.  Please acquire from reputable nurseries with appropriate permits for propagating and selling this species.