Cucumbertree Magnolia

Magnolia trees are some of the most beloved landscape indicators that Spring has truly arrived. Most people are familiar with the cramy white flowers of the Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata) or the dark rosy pink to creamy white color of the Saucer Magnolia (M. soulangeana). Some may know the Cucumbertree Magnolia (M. acuminata) to be a larger tree with less showy greenish yellow flowers. Plant breeders have worked with the Cucumbertree to produce some excellent true yellow-flowered forms. One of the best is shown here, Magnolia 'Butterflies.' Although a larger tree, reaching up to 20 feet in height, the early flowers on leafless branches make M. 'Butterflies' a worthy candidate for any landscape.

--Mike Dana, Extension Landscape Horticulture Specialist, Purdue University