Deciduous Magnolia and Small Yellow Flowers

Magnolia Acuminata

• Also known as the cucumber tree, M. acuminata grows quickly – 18 to 30 inches a year – to eventually reach a height of 80 feet. It is one of the largest of all magnolias and an ideal shade tree. M. acuminata bears some of the smallest magnolia flowers -- 2.5 to 3 inches across and yellow-green in color -- in late spring. A cold-tolerant tree, Magnolia acuminata is hardy in zones 4 through 8 on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Magnolia "Butterflies"

• “Butterflies” is the result of a cross between M. acuminata and a hybrid of M. denudata. It blooms in deep yellow flowers with red stamens that measure 3 to 4 inches wide. Smaller than its parents, Butterflies tops out at 25 to 30 feet, making it an ideal shade tree for the small yard. Magnolia Butterflies prefers slightly acid soil and protection from cold winds, and it does best in zones 5 through 9 on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Magnolia “Golden Endeavor”

• If you’re looking for a magnolia that produces small yellow flowers in profusion, consider Golden Endeavor. It blooms in 3-inch-wide yellow, cup-shaped flowers with a green base. Golden Endeavor is a medium-size tree, growing to 20 feet in height with a round canopy. Golden Endeavor is slow-growing, so consider using it as an accent or specimen planting. It does best within zones 5 through 9 on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Magnolia "Yellow Bird"

• Yellow Bird, a cross between Magnolia acuminata and Magnolia brooklynensis “Evamaria,” blooms in bright yellow 3-inch flowers in late spring, when the tree’s foliage emerges. Yellow Bird’s buds resemble tulips on a tree that grows from 10 to 20 feet tall. Like all magnolias, Yellow Bird’s blooms are highly fragrant. Give Yellow Bird acidic, consistently moist soil and protection from the wind; it thrives in zones 5 through 9 on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map.