Magnolia x 'Yellow Bird'

Yellow Bird Magnolia

Magnolia × brooklynensis ‘Yellow Bird’ is a deciduous flowering tree with upright, goblet-shaped clear yellow blooms that appear in spring as the new leaves emerge, often a bit later than many other magnolias, which can help reduce frost damage. It usually begins with a narrow pyramidal habit and becomes broader and more rounded with age, giving it a more tree-like form than many hybrid magnolias.  

Type: Deciduous tree  

Mature Size: 20–25' W x 30–40' H  

USDA Zones: 4a–8b  

Form: Upright, conical to pyramidal when young, becoming more rounded with age

Light: Full sun to part shade

Soil / Water: Moist, rich, acidic to neutral, well-drained soil; moderate water, especially during establishment

Bloom Time / Length: Mid- to late spring; flowers open with the foliage and generally bloom later than many magnolia cultivars

Wildlife: Magnolia flowers are pollinated primarily by beetles, and magnolias can provide some habitat value, though ‘Yellow Bird’ is mainly grown for ornamental display. This wildlife note is partly inferred from magnolia biology rather than stated specifically for this cultivar.

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent as a specimen tree, lawn tree, or focal point in larger borders where its clean yellow flower color can stand out. Its later bloom time and single-trunk, tree-like habit make it especially useful for gardeners who want a yellow magnolia with a more traditional shade-tree form.

Care: Plant in fertile, well-drained soil and mulch to keep roots cool and evenly moist. Water regularly while establishing, avoid prolonged drought, and prune only lightly after flowering if shaping is needed. Like many magnolias, it performs best in a sheltered site with protection from harsh wind. 

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

30-40'

Width

20-25'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring, Mid Spring

Flower color

Yellow

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich, Slightly Acidic

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Mass Planting, Privacy Screen

Shape

Oval, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No