Magnolia acuminata (Cucumber Tree)

Magnolia acuminata (Cucumber Tree) with multiple yellow flowers along thin branches over soil ground

Botanical name: Magnolia acuminata

Common names: Cucumber Tree, Cucumber Magnolia

Family: Magnoliaceae

Origin: North America

USDA Zone: 4-8

Cold tolerance: -15°F

Plant form: Small tree

Mature height: 10-20 ft

Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade

Cold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.

Watering: Regular; moderate

Flower color: White and off-white; yellow, orange

Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing

Foliage: Deciduous

This small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to North America grows 10-20 ft tall and wide, with an upright oval canopy. The leaves are shiny dark green with whitish undersides and contrasting yellow fall foliage. The name Cucumber Tree refers to the unripe fruit, which is green and often shaped like a small cucumber.

It has scented rabbit-like white to off-white flowers in late spring and sometimes again in fall. Small yellow and orange fruit adorn the tree in summer. The tree requires full sun and semi-shade and moderate watering, either equally distributed throughout the season or more frequent during dry periods. With regular water and good drainage, it will grow in fertile, evenly moist, slightly acid soils.

For colder regions, this tree can be grown in a pot. It is recommended that the roots are kept covered and insulated from the cold with plenty of good quality compost, and the pot should be placed in a sheltered, sunny spot during the winter. USDA Zone for this tree is 4-8.

This is an ideal tree for lawn or garden, providing interest all year round. The cucumber fruits are inedible but attract birds, squirrels and other wildlife when ripe. Magnolia acuminata is a popular ornamental that can brighten any yet and make a great feature tree in the garden.