Magnolia acuminata

Common Names

Cucumbertree, Cucumber Magnolia, Mountain Magnolia

Summary

The cucumbertree is a large deciduous magnolia native to eastern North America. It is fast-growing with a straight trunk and a pyramidal to broad crown, reaching about 50–80 ft in height and 50–80 ft in width. Leaves are large, alternate, 5–10 inches long and about 6 inches wide, dark green above and paler below. Flowers are fragrant, yellow-green, about 2–3 inches across, borne in late spring, and fruits are cucumber-like cones that mature green to red with red seeds; bark is dark brown and furrowed into narrow scaly ridges. It occurs in moist, well-drained, acidic soils and tolerates full sun to partial shade; hardy in zones 3–8.

In cultivation, it prefers deep, moist, well-drained soils with a wide pH range from acidic to alkaline and full sun to partial shade; the tree is best planted in large open spaces such as parks, large yards, or estates due to its size; maintenance is relatively low, and propagation can be by seed or grafting. It is generally pest-free with occasional scale insects and is valued as a shade or specimen tree for landscape uses where a tall, architectural presence is desired.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

50-80 feet

Spread

50-80 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil, preferably loamy or humus-rich, with slightly acidic to acidic pH.

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring to early Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Grafting/Budding

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, Attracts other pollinators