Umbrella Magnolia, Magnolia tripetala

One of our most unique native trees, the Umbrella Magnolia (Magnolia tripetala), can add a feeling of tropical lushness to any landscape!  It is known for its super-sized leaves, which are nearly 2 feet long and 8 inches across. This understory tree matures to about 20 to 30 feet tall and wide. This deciduous magnolia has smooth, gray bark. In the wild it grows as an understory tree in rich moist woods, ravines, slopes and along streams. In the spring it produces bowl-shaped, creamy white 6-10" flowers. It's hardiness zone ranges from 5a to 8b.