Cucumbertree Magnolia
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Average mature size of 50-80' tall and wide. Trees appear pyramidal and compact in youth, but spread out dramatically as they age. Medium to fast growth rate, 10-15' over a 4-6 year period.

Native Range

New York to Georgia, west to Illinois and Arkansas.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers are slightly fragrant, greenish-yellow, 6 petals 2.5-3" long, slightly fragrant, May-early June. Some are self-fertile but most are not. Born solitarily and are often high in the tree, masked by the foliage. Fruits are aggregates of follicles, pinkish-red, in October persisting briefly, 2-3" long. They look somewhat like a small cucumber.

Leaf and Bark Features

Soft ashy-brown fall color, somewhat attractive. Bark is brownish or reddish-brown, glabrous, small gray vertical lenticels. Emits a spicy odor when bruised.

Culture and Care

Transplant in early spring into a deep, loamy, moist, well-drained, slightly acid soil in full sun or part shade. Does not tolerate extreme drought or wetness. Transplant carefully - roots are few in number with few root hairs. Prune after flowering. Basically free from serious problems, though scale can occur now and then.

Suggested Uses

An excellent tree for a large property or a park.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA