Umbrella-tree is an uncommon but widespread deciduous native small tree with large, simple, tropical-looking leaves, found in the understory of rich forests. The leaves resemble umbrellas in that they are large and clustered at the ends of branches.

Carroll Co., VA 5/11/09.

Similar to the common Fraser Magnolia (M. fraseri) of the Mountains and rare Bigleaf Magnolia (M. macrophylla), but the leaves of Umbrella-Tree are smaller and lack lobed bases.

Carroll Co., VA 5/11/09.

A flower just about to open.

Carroll Co., VA 5/11/09.

A fully open flower.

Carroll Co., VA 5/11/09.

An opening flower.

Haywood Co. NC 5/13/05.

Haywood Co. NC 5/9/08.

Haywood Co. NC 5/9/08.

Umbrella-Tree is less common in the Piedmont of North Carolina than the evergreen Southern Magnolia (M. grandiflora), which is a Coastal Plain native that commonly escapes from cultivation.

Chapel Hill, Orange Co., NC 4/23/05.

Large, lightly-scented, creamy-white flowers appear at the ends of branches in late April.

Chapel Hill, Orange Co., NC 4/23/05.

Developing fruit.

Haywood Co., NC 6/13/2009.

The leaves grow in clusters at the ends of leafless branches.

Carroll Co., VA 10/16/06.

Showing the umbrella-like leaf arrangement. The leaves look whiter beneath with the flash than they do under natural lighting.

Carroll Co., VA 10/16/06.

Terminal bud.

Carroll Co., VA 10/16/06.

Like that of most other Magnolias, the bark is smooth, except for scattered lenticels (corky warts).

Carroll Co., VA 10/16/06.