Form: This is a small tree reaching a maximum height of 35 ft. It develops a narrow crown.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: alternate

Shape: 16-22 in.long; oblong to obovate

Margin: entire

Texture: shiny above and paler below

 

Bark: The bark is thin, brown, smooth to lightly scaly, and can have raised lenticels.

Twigs and buds: It has a long purplish-green terminal bud.

Flowers and fruit: It develops large creamy white flowers with bright red seed pods.

Distinguishing characteristics: The large leaves are clustered at the end of the twigs. In order to distinguish it from Fraser magnolia, check the base of the leaf. Umbrella magnolia is pointed at both ends while Fraser has a notch at the base of the leaf.

Range: It occurs in southern Pennsylvania south to Mississippi, and west to east Oklahoma.

Silvics: It has intermediate tolerance of shade and prefers moist bottoms or coves.

Ecological and cultural importance: