Cucumber Tree Magnolia

Truly unique! The Cucumber Tree (Magnolia acuminata) is a little-known native Magnolia tree that has considerable landscape merit! It has a very regular, pyramidal form with a strong central leader as a young tree, and then becomes rounded with age.

Unlike most Magnolias, the flowers are not showy. The 2 to 3-inch perfect, slightly fragrant greenish-yellow flowers bloom high up on the tree in May to early June. Unlike other Magnolias, the Cucumber trees flowers emerge after the tree is in leaf so they are not very noticeable (but some of these variable native trees can be especially showy!). They blend into the foliage and may not be produced until the tree is fairly old. However, pollinators will seek out these blossoms for their native nectar and pollen!

The fruit looks somewhat like a small, bumpy, scaley cucumber and turns pinkish-red in late summer. Songbirds, squirrels, and mice eat the seeds! The flower buds and flowers are edible and may have provided a minor food source to First Nations and early settlers as well!

The Cucumber Tree is native primarily to the Appalachian belt and thrives throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 8, growing 50 - 70 feet tall and 35 - 40 feet wide at maturity. Like other members of the deciduous Magnolia family, Cucumber trees develop a great golden-yellow autumn tone once temperatures begin to drop.

Landscape Application:

With a medium to fast growth rate, the Cucumber Magnolia is an exceptional tree for large properties and native forest restoration projects! Not recommended as a street tree because of its extensive roots, however, the Cucumber Trees are excellent shade trees for parks and large gardens!

Disease and pest-free, the huge leaves cast lush shade over your seating areas and reduce cooling bills when planted by your home to block the hot summer sun. Groves and groupings of these trees shelter and feed a wide variety of songbirds and wildlife throughout the growing season!

• Greenish-Yellow Slightly Scented Blooms
• Large Green Leaves
• Unique Native Tree
• Cucumber-Like Bumpy Seedpods
• Shade Trees, Parks & Native Plantings

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Cucumber Tree Magnolias tolerate a wide range of pH and prefers moist well-drained soil rich in organic matter in full sun to partial shade settings, even growing as an understory tree when young. Provide regular moisture for young trees, but once established, these trees become somewhat drought tolerant and easy to grow! Mulch the base of your tree well, not letting it touch the trunk, and prune your tree after the flowers fade.

• Full Sun & Partial Shade
• Well-Drained Rich Slightly-Acidic Soil
• Moderate Regular Moisture
• Prune After Flowering
• Pest & Disease-Free

An easy-to-grow native tree, the Cucumber Magnolia Tree will be your ecologically sound choice for your pollinators and wildlife! Order now at NatureHills.com!