The name "umbrella tree" derives from the fact that the large leaves are clustered at the tips of the branches forming an umbrella-shaped structure.

Umbrella magnolias have large shiny leaves 30–50 cm long, spreading from stout stems.

The tree has reddish cone-shaped fruit, is shade tolerant, has shallow spreading roots, and is pollinated by beetles.

[15] Research has shown the species to be non-native to northern states such as Pennsylvania, and only being a recent arrival.

[16] Magnolia tripetala has been observed in forests outside its native range in multiple instances.

Single individuals and small populations have been observed near areas where M. tripetala is in cultivation.

[17] Magnolia tripetala has been given the FACU wetland status, tending to prefer average to dry soil.

Optimal seed germination conditions for M. tripetala are protected ground or a greenhouse and stratification at 4 °C for 30 days.

[18] The largest known Magnolia tripetala is 15.2 m in height with a trunk diameter of 87 cm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

[19] This activity allows it to specifically resist Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, Panagrellus redivivus, and Caenorhabditis elegans.

The cultivars have fruits with features such as number of follicles or stamen scars that are intermediate between the parent species.

Magnolia tripetala is used as an ornamental in urban areas and used as focal trees in the garden setting.

[22] Magnolia tripetala has a secure conservation status across multiple states in most of its native range.

States where there is no status ranking (SNR/SU/SNA) for M. tripetala include Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Magnolia tripetala is critically imperiled (S1) in Oklahoma, Mississippi, Florida, and Indiana.