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Magnolia, Cucumbertree
Magnolia acuminata

Greenish-yellow flowers bloom high upon the tree in May to early June. Exceptional tree for large properties.
Zones 4 - 8 Flowering Tree 50' - 80' High 40' Spread Medium to Fast Growth
Full Sun Various Soils Pyramidal Shape More Info Purchase Info
Hardiness Zones: Zones 4 - 8
The Cucumbertree Magnolia can be expected to grow in the zones shown in color in the arborday.org zone map.
Type of tree:
The Cucumbertree Magnolia falls into the following type(s): Flowering Trees
Mature Height:
The Cucumbertree Magnolia grows to be 50' - 80' feet in height.
Mature Spread:
The Cucumbertree Magnolia has a spread of about 40' at full maturity.
Growth Rate:
This tree grows at a medium to fast growth rate.
Sun:
This magnolia does well in full sun.
Soil:
The Cucumbertree Magnolia grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well drained, wet, clay soils.
Moisture:
Can withstand some flooding and has moderate drought tolerance.
Shape:
This magnolia has pyramidal, upright or erect shape.
Leaves:
The leaves from this tree alternate, and are simple, elliptic, 4 to 10 inches long. Yellow-green in summer, sometimes bronze in the fall.
Flower Color:
Yellow-green flowers that have a tendency to blend in with the leaves.
Bloom Time:
May to early June..
Fruit Description:
The fruit is pinkish red fruit resembling a cucumber from which the tree derives it's name. Attractive to wildlife and leaves little or no residue on the ground.
Additional Information

Attributes:
An excellent shade tree for large expanses that grows rapidly.

Description:
Perfect, slightly fragrant greenish-yellow flowers bloom high upon the tree in May to early June with pinkish red fruit resembling a cucumber. Exceptional tree for large properties. Medium to fast growth rate. Grows 50' to 80', 40' spread. (zones 4-8)

Wildlife Value:
The seeds of the Cucumbertree Magnolia are eaten by several species of birds and small mammals. Grackles and blackbirds will eat the young fruit. Twigs, leaves, and buds are sometimes browsed by deer.

History/Lore:
The Cucumber Magnolia Tree is found in forests from New York to Georgia and west to Illinois. The first scientific observations were made in 1736 by John Clayton, one of Virginia's pioneer botanists. In the early 1800s these trees were widely exported to Europe, where they were found in the very finest gardens and landscapes. The pioneers were reputed to have used the bitters extracted from the green fruit with whisky as a fever medicine. The wood was also widely used for furniture and interior paneling.
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