Cucumber Tree Magnolia
Arbor Walk #107, Treekeeper ID #5717
This tree is in the Magnoliaceae family and is native to Missouri. The cucumber tree is named by its cucumber-like fruit. The fruit is 2″ to 3″ long, slightly curved, and cylindrical, and to add to the cucumber appearance, the immature fruit is also green.
This is a deciduous tree with a straight trunk and pyramidal crown, and the first blooms come out after 12 years or more. Unlike the majority of Magnolia species, these flowers are not very showy; instead, they are much smaller and dark red. This Magnolia, however, is one of the largest, and can reach nearly 100 feet in ideal conditions. Naturally, it loves living in subxeric forests, or extremely dry forests. It is often found on dry, rocky slopes for this reason.
| Common Name | Cucumber Tree Magnolia |
|---|---|
| Latin Name | Magnolia acuminata |
| Indigenous Name(s) | |
| Cultivar/Variety | |
| Commercial Name |
Global Distribution
GPS Coordinates
N/A
Percent Concrete
N/A
Distance to Buildings
| Year | Close Building #1 | Close Building #2 | Close Building #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Distance to Other Species
| Year | Close Species #1 | Close Species # 2 | Close Species # 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Standard Measurements
| Year | Height (m) | DBH (cm) | Crown Diameter N-S (m) | Crown Diameter E-W (m) | Average Crown Diameter (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4.7 | 5 | 2.63 | 2.31 | 2.47 |
Nests and Pests
| Year | Description |
|---|---|
| 2023 | N/A |
Leaf Identification
The leaves of the Cucumber Tree Magnolia are dark green and turn yellow and brown in the fall. The underside of the leaf is finely pubescent (hairy).
Twig and Bud Identification
The twig of the Cucumber Tree Magnolia ranges from yellow-green to reddish-brown depending on its maturity stage. When broken, the twig smells sweet and spicy; however, please protect our trees and do not break off any twigs. The ends of the twig hold the flower buds, and the leaves come from lateral buds. The buds have long, soft hairs.
Bark Identification
The Cucumber Tree Magnolia has thin and gray bark when young and become shallowly furrowed with age.
Fruit Identification
The Cucumber Tree Magnolia has cucumber-like aggregate fruit that are 2″ to 3″. They are green, warty seedcones, but will become pink upon maturity in fall.
Flower Identification
The flowers of the Cucumber Tree Magnolia are greenish-yellow and bloom in spring. They can mature to a deep red color as well. The flowers are 2-4″ (relatively small for magnolias) and tulip-like.
[photo forthcoming]
ID Tips
- The Cucumber Tree Magnolia is distinct for its elongated, cucumber-like fruit.
- The flowers of the Cucumber Tree Magnolia are much less showy than most magnolias.
- The pubescent leaf underside is uncommon for magnolias as well, though not a sole identifying characteristic.
