umbrella tree

American  

noun

1. an American magnolia, Magnolia tripetala, having large leaves in umbrellalike clusters.

2. any of various other trees resembling an umbrella.

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umbrella tree British  

noun

1. a North American magnolia, Magnolia tripetala, having long leaves clustered into an umbrella formation at the ends of the branches and unpleasant-smelling white flowers

2. Also called: umbrella bush.  Any of various other trees or shrubs having leaves shaped like an umbrella or growing in an umbrella-like cluster

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Etymology

Origin of umbrella tree

An Americanism dating back to 1730–40

Example Sentences

Washington State takes its trees seriously and the university offers online tree tours so you can learn about the campus flora, including the umbrella tree with its 20-inch leaves.

From New York Times • Jun. 29, 2022

The building has a large atrium filled with ficus; Chinese evergreens; Schefflera, also known as an umbrella tree; and Sansevieria, also known as snake tongue or mother-in-law’s tongue.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 8, 2021

Jomo placed the watering can aside and began to pick the umbrella tree fruit; they had fallen during the previous night, and lay, oval and pale yellow, on the lawn.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Some travellers have called it the umbrella tree, but the piece of furniture called a dumb-waiter exhibits a more striking picture of it.

From The History of Sumatra Containing An Account Of The Government, Laws, Customs And Manners Of The Native Inhabitants by Marsden, William

The dove that had crooned so long in the umbrella tree built a nest there and cooed on to his mate.

From Rimrock Jones by Coolidge, Dane