Magnolia acuminata

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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.

Similar plants:

• Magnolia 'Goldstar' (Goldstar Magnolia)
• Magnolia champaca, Michelia champaca (Joy Perfume Tree, Huang Yu Lan, Safa)
• Magnolia coco, Liriodendron coco, Magnolia pumila (Dwarf Magnolia, Cempaka Telur, Cempaka Gondok, Coconut Magnolia)
• Magnolia cylindrica (Huang-shan Magnolia )
• Magnolia delavayi (Chinese Evergreen Magnolia )
• Magnolia dianica (Magnolia shrub)
• Magnolia doltsopa, Michelia excelsa, Magnolia exelsa (Sweet Michelia)
• Magnolia figo, Michelia figo, Magnolia fuscata (Banana Magnolia, Banana Shrub, Port Wine Magnolia)
• Magnolia floribunda, Michelia floribunda, Magnolia compressa (Magnolia)
• Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia, Bull Bay)