How to Identify the ‘Butterflies’ Magnolia

Leaf Identification

The leaves of the ‘Butterflies’ Magnolia are up to 8″ long with an oblong to elliptical shape. They can have a cuspidate tip and are typically dark green.

  • Leaf of Arbor Walk #82
  • Underside of Leaf from Arbor Walk #82
  • Leaf (Fall) of Arbor Walk #82

Twig and Bud Identification

The twig is reddish-brown with white lenticels (pores) At the bud, the twig becomes ringed with leaf scars. The flower bud is almond-shaped and yellow-green, with long, fuzzy hairs. Leaf buds are attached laterally on the twig, thus there is no true terminal leaf bud.

  • Twig of Arbor Walk #82
  • Flower Bud of Arbor Walk #82
  • Flower Bud of Arbor Walk #82

Bark Identification

The ‘Butterflies’ Magnolia has smooth gray bark with small pale lenticels (pores) that mark the bark surface.

  • Bark of Arbor Walk #82

Fruit Identification

The ‘Butterflies’ Magnolia rarely produces fruit, but they are reddish-green seed pods at maturity when it does.

  • Immature Fruit of Arbor Walk #82

Flower Identification

The flowers of the ‘Butterflies’ Magnolia are yellow and are 4″ to 5″ long. They are also tulip-like and upright with 10 to 16 petals.

[photo forthcoming]