Magnolia x brooklynensis 'Yellow Bird'

'Yellow Bird' is an artificial hybrid cultivar introduced from the Brooklyn Botanical Garden in the Magnoliaceae (magnolia) family.  This deciduous tree reaches a height of 40 feet and a width of 25 feet with a pyramidal habit when young, maturing to a more rounded crown. Unlike some hybrid magnolias, 'Yellow Bird' grows with a single trunk in a more tree-like form.

'Yellow Bird' prefers moist, humus-rich, slightly acidic soil in full sun to part shade.  Once it is established it is somewhat drought tolerant but will need occasional deep watering during the summer months. The unusual bright yellow flowers appear in late spring so are not subject to damage to late drops in temperature like other magnolias.  

This stunning flowering tree makes an excellent specimen for an Asian or cottage theme garden.  Its graceful mature shape works well in parks or recreational areas or larger backyards.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Capsid bugs and snails may affect the tree. Horse chestnut scale, coral spot or gray mold may attack the tree.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.

More information on Magnolia.