Magnolia denudata; known as the Yulan magnolia (simplified Chinese: ???; traditional Chinese: ???; pinyin: y鵯醤hua; literally: 'jade orchid/lily'); is native to central and eastern China.

It has been cultivated in Chinese Buddhist temple gardens since 600 CE. Its flowers were regarded as a symbol of purity in the Tang Dynasty and it was planted in the grounds of the Emperor's palace. It is the official city flower of Shanghai.

Magnolia denudata is a rather low; rounded; thickly branched; and coarse-textured tree to 30 feet (9.1 m) tall. The leaves are ovate; bright green; 15 cm long and 8 cm wide. Bark is a coarse dark gray. The 10-16 cm white flowers that emerge from early to late spring; while beautiful and thick with a citrus-lemon fragrance; are prone to browning if subjected to frost. Pictures From History