Elizabeth Magnolia Shines as NLI's April Tree of the Month

This beloved hybrid magnolia tree is a springtime beacon in Rockford's Edgewater neighborhood.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:19pm

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A bold, abstract painting in warm earth tones depicting the intricate botanical structure and scientific hybridization of the Elizabeth Magnolia tree, with sweeping geometric arcs, concentric floral circles, and precise botanical spirals conveying the natural order and beauty of this unique flowering tree.The Elizabeth Magnolia's striking yellow blooms and hybrid origins make it a standout addition to Rockford's urban landscape each spring.Rockford Today

The Natural Land Institute has named an impressive Elizabeth Magnolia tree in Rockford, Illinois as its April Tree of the Month. Nominated by local resident Beth Parentice, the large tree features stunning 6-8 inch cup-shaped butter yellow flowers that cover the entire tree in early to mid-spring, making it a standout in the neighborhood.

Why it matters

As one of the first yellow-flowering magnolia hybrids ever cultivated, the Elizabeth Magnolia represents an important breakthrough in horticulture. The tree is part of Rockford's Edgewater neighborhood, a walkable community where diverse homeowners showcase their gardens and plants, contributing to the area's vibrant spring landscape.

The details

The Elizabeth Magnolia is a hybrid between the native cucumber magnolia and the non-native Yulan Magnolia. It was first developed by the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and named after influential supporter Elizabeth Sperber. The tree's large, showy flowers bloom before its leaves emerge, standing out against the backdrop of newly green deciduous trees and evergreens. While the tree produces no seeds as a sterile hybrid, it does host important native insects like the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Promethea Moth.

  • The Elizabeth Magnolia blooms in early to mid-spring.

The players

Beth Parentice

A local resident who nominated the Elizabeth Magnolia tree for the Natural Land Institute's Legacy Tree Program.

Natural Land Institute

A 501(c)3 not-for-profit land conservation organization based in Rockford, Illinois that launched the Legacy Tree Program to recognize notable trees in the region.

Elizabeth Sperber

An influential supporter after whom the Elizabeth Magnolia hybrid was named.

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

The institution that first hybridized the Elizabeth Magnolia.

Alan Branhagen

The Executive Director of the Natural Land Institute.

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What they’re saying

“It's the largest tree of this variety I've ever seen with magnificent 6-8 inch cup-shaped butter yellow flowers covering the entire tree in early to mid-spring.”

— Beth Parentice, Resident

“This is one of the favorite trees of our native woodpecker, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, as you can see by the many drill holes in the trunk of the tree.”

— Alan Branhagen, Executive Director, Natural Land Institute

What’s next

The Natural Land Institute will continue to highlight notable trees in the region through its Legacy Tree Program, with a new tree featured each month.

The takeaway

The Elizabeth Magnolia's stunning springtime display showcases the importance of cultivating diverse and regionally-appropriate trees that support local ecosystems. This hybrid tree's beauty and ecological value make it a true community asset in Rockford's Edgewater neighborhood.