Hybrid Magnolia

Arbor walk #82, Treekeeper ID #3854

This is a deciduous hybrid magnolia resulting from a cross between M. acuminata and M. denudata. It is notable for its yellow flowers, late vegetative growth, compact pyramidal form, and ability to withstand both heat and cold. It can grow as an upright pyramidal tree with a single trunk or as a multi-stemmed shrub.

It blooms from late winter to early spring into upright, and displays yellow flowers similar to tulips that last for about 7 to 9 days.

Common NameButterflies Magnolia
Latin NameMagnolia acuminata x Magnolia denudata
Indigenous Name(s)
Cultivar/Variety‘Butterflies’
Commercial Name
Global Distribution of Cucumber Tree Magnolia

Cucumber Tree Magnolia (Magnolia acuminata) is a parent to the ‘Lois’ Magnolia and to the ‘Butterflies’ Magnolia.

Global Distribution of Yulan Magnolia

Yulan Magnolia (Magnolia denudata) is a parent to the ‘Butterflies’ Magnolia and a grandparent to the ‘Lois’ Magnolia.

Where to find Arbor Walk #82 on WashU campus
Our Butterflies Magnolia in space
GPS Coordinates

N/A

Percent Concrete

N/A

Distance to Buildings
YearClose Building #1Close Building #2Close Building #3
2020Tietjens Hall, 39.61 mGregg House, 40.30 mMusic Classroom Building, 49.88 m
Distance to Other Species
YearClose Species #1Close Species # 2Close Species # 3
2020Austrian Pine, 5.97 mButterflies Magnolia, 8.62 mButterflies Magnolia, 10.25 m
Our Butterflies Magnolia through time
Standard Measurements
YearHeight (m)DBH (cm)Caliper (m)Crown Diameter N-S (m)Crown Diameter E-W (m)Average Crown Diameter (m)
20203.93866.1N/A2.342.392.365
20235.78NA2.832.532.68
Nests and Pests
YearDescription
2020No obvious indications of nests or pests on this tree
How to identify a 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.

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.

Bark Identification

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

Fruit Identification

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

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]

Relationship of Magnolia acuminata x Magnolia denudata to other species in the arboretum
Additional resources on the Butterflies Magnolia

Take a look around Arbor Walk Tree #82