Yellow Bird Yellow Magnolia

‘Yellow Bird’ is a deciduous magnolia with a single-trunked, pyramidal crown when young that becomes more rounded with age. Its upright, bright-yellow cup-shaped flowers open in late spring among the emerging leaves. [Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Plant Finder](https://plants.bbg.org/taxon/666/magnolia_brooklynensis_yellow_bird) confirms the selection; the Garden’s [breeding history](https://www.bbg.org/article/eight_magnolia_hybrids_bred_by_brooklyn_botanic_garden) records its 1981 introduction and Doris Stone’s work on the hybrid. ## Flowers and site The Garden describes ‘Yellow Bird’ as a backcross involving ‘Evamaria’ and *Magnolia acuminata* var. *subcordata*. Its later bloom is a useful distinction among yellow-flowered magnolias, although late frost can still affect buds. NC State Extension reports mature dimensions of 20–40 feet high and 15–25 feet wide, and hardiness in USDA Zones 5–9. It grows in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist, humus-rich, slightly acidic soil. Use it as a specimen tree where there is space for its eventual crown; its tree-like trunk also suits larger yards and park settings. provides planting and care details. ## Maintenance Water deeply during establishment and during extended summer dry spells. Once established it tolerates some drought, but occasional deep watering supports steady growth. Keep the root zone mulched and avoid persistently waterlogged or very dry soil. Prune sparingly to maintain the natural crown. [NC State Extension profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/magnolia-x-brooklynensis-yellow-bird/)