Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Magnolia acuminata (L.) L.
Cucumbertree, Cucumber tree, Mountain magnolia
Magnoliaceae (Magnolia Family)
The hardiest of all magnolias, Cucumber-tree is a large, round-topped,
deciduous tree that can grow 60-75 ft. tall and wide. Its leaves, from 6-10 in. long, are deep-green in summer and yellow-brown in fall. Flowers are not showy; only 2 in. across and greenish in color. They are followed by a cucumber-like
fruit which turns from green to red. The flowers and
fruit are often missed because they occur at the top of the tree.
Cucumber-tree is the only magnolia
native to Canada. It is extremely rare in Ontario and is threatened with extirpation throughout its Canadian range. (Kershaw)
Image Gallery:
4 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Tree Leaf Complexity: Simple Leaf: Green
Autumn Foliage: yes
Flower:
Fruit: Red
Size Class: 72-100 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow , Green , Brown
Bloom Time: May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , FL , GA , IL , IN , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MS , MO , NJ , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , VA , WV
Canada: ON Native Distribution: W. NY, s. Ont., s. IN, s. IL & s. MO, s. to FL & LA
Native Habitat: Rich, wooded slopes; stream banks; uplands
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet , Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Rich, moist, acidic soils.
Conditions Comments: This is a good specimen
tree with a medium growth rate. Use cucumber
tree only in an area where the huge leaves, dropping thoughout the late summer and fall, are not a maintenance problem. This
tree is affected by few diseases or pests however it does not withstand extreme drought or wetness or pollution. Mature trees are reluctant to heal wounds or cleaning cuts.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Many fruits fall to the ground with their seeds still enclosed and become forage for towhees and other ground-feeding birds, as well as small mammals.
Use Food: Flower buds and flowers are edible, and may have provided a minor food source to First Nations and white settlers. (Athenic)
Use Medicinal: First Nations People used
bark extracts as analgesics, antidiarrheal, cold and toothache remedy. (Athenic)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds
2012-10-13
