Family: Magnoliaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Magnolia tripetala, commonly known as umbrella tree, is a deciduous magnolia native to the eastern United States west to Oklahoma. It is admired for its large tropical-looking leaves, which cluster at the ends of branches in an umbrella-like arrangement, as well as its creamy white fragrant flowers and decorative red seed pods. This fast-growing ornamental tree is often planted in botanical gardens, shaded landscapes, and woodland-style plantings for its bold foliage and unique appearance. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial shade, though it can also tolerate sunnier conditions in cooler climates.

Risks & Threats:
Umbrella tree is considered a low risk species for Hawaii. It is not known to be invasive or naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, and there is little evidence suggesting it poses significant ecological threats. Because it generally spreads slowly and prefers temperate forest conditions, its ability to invade tropical island ecosystems appears limited. As with any introduced plant, occasional monitoring is recommended to ensure it does not spread beyond cultivation, but overall this species is regarded as a relatively safe ornamental choice for landscapes and gardens.

High Risk Traits:

• Escapes cultivation outside natural range in North America
  
• On Delaware invasive plant watch list (No specifics provided)
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds and intentionally by people
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Able to coppice and resprout after cutting
  
• Missing ecological information could change the assessment prediction

Low Risk Traits:

• May be able to naturalize only in higher, cooler elevations in tropical islands
  
• No negative impacts documented
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Moderately palatable to browsing and grazing animals
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Ornamental
  
• Requires beetle for effective pollination
  
• Does not spread vegetatively