Quick answer: Umbrella tree magnolia (Magnolia tripetala) is native to 17 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Joanna Boisse, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Moist |
| Soil | Moist, rich, acidic, well-drained soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Apr-Jun |
| Height | 15-45 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Conspicuous flowers attract pollinators, fruit provides food value for wildlife |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 16 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 16 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Umbrella tree magnolia
Where is Umbrella tree magnolia native?
Umbrella tree magnolia (Magnolia tripetala) is native to 17 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Umbrella tree magnolia bloom?
Umbrella tree magnolia blooms Apr-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Umbrella tree magnolia need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: Medium water, Moist. Soil: Moist, rich, acidic, well-drained soils. Mature height: 15-45 ft tall.
Is Umbrella tree magnolia good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Conspicuous flowers attract pollinators, fruit provides food value for wildlife.
Is Umbrella tree magnolia deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Umbrella tree magnolia is tolerates shade.
Where can I buy Umbrella tree magnolia?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 16 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Magnolia tripetala by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Umbrella tree magnolia.
- Dwarf crested iris Iris cristata
- Green-and-gold Chrysogonum virginianum
- Smooth hydrangea Hydrangea arborescens
- Inland sea oats Chasmanthium latifolium
- Swamp sunflower Helianthus angustifolius
- Threadleaf coreopsis Coreopsis verticillata
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.