Elizabeth Yellow Magnolia

Elizabeth magnolia is a deciduous, pyramidal tree with fragrant primrose-yellow flowers that open in mid-spring, before or alongside the emerging leaves. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden introduced it in 1977 from a cross of cucumber tree (*Magnolia acuminata*) and Yulan magnolia (*M. denudata*); the original selection was named for Garden benefactor Elizabeth Van Brunt. [Brooklyn Botanic Garden](https://www.bbg.org/article/saying_goodbye_to_the_elizabeth_magnolia) · [RHS](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/93009/magnolia-elizabeth/details) ## Landscape Use Use Elizabeth as a spring specimen where its pale-yellow blooms can be seen up close. It typically grows about 25–35 feet tall and 12–20 feet wide, with bronze young leaves maturing to dark green. Choose a sheltered spot in full sun or partial shade, in moist but well-drained soil; late frosts can damage the flowers. [Brookgreen](https://www.brookgreen.org/plant-collection/name/magnolia-elizabeth) ## Maintenance Magnolias need little routine pruning. Remove dead or damaged branches, and reserve any necessary shaping for midsummer through early autumn. A layer of mulch helps protect the shallow roots and keep soil moisture more even.