SafePlants

Cucumber Tree (Magnolia acuminata)

The Magnolia acuminata, commonly known as cucumber tree, cucumber magnolia, blue magnolia, or cucumbertree (often spelled as one word), is a large and cold-hardy magnolia native to eastern North America.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the fruit resembling a cucumber and that the tree can be found in home gardens. Pet owners might want to research the species to ensure the fruit is safe for pets if ingested.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Magnolia acuminata
• Common Names: Cucumber tree, cucumber magnolia, blue magnolia, cucumbertree (often spelled as one word)
• Family: Magnoliaceae

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
• Reaches its largest size in the southern Appalachian Mountains.
• In Ontario, it is found in the Niagara Region and Norfolk County.
• Also found in rich woods and moist areas, even on gentle to moderate slopes (up to 25 percent).
• Hardy to zone 4 and warmer parts of zone 3.

Ecological Role

• In Canada, the Cucumber Tree is considered rare and was designated an endangered species in 1984. It is Canada’s only native Magnolia species.
• The Cucumber tree (*Parmentiera aculeata*) is mentioned as a pest weed in Queensland, Australia, but this refers to a different species and is likely unrelated.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A large, deciduous tree, growing up to 20 meters (65 feet) tall and 10 meters (32 feet) wide.
• Typically reaches 60 to 80 feet in height with a spread of 35 to 60 feet.
• Pyramidal shape when young, becoming broad, oval, or rounded with age.
• Leaves are 10 to 24 cm in length, about half that in width, and widest toward the middle. They have smooth, entire margins and are arranged alternately. Leaves range from 5" to 20" long.
• Flowers are perfect, slightly fragrant, and greenish-yellow, blooming in May to early June.
• Fruit is pinkish-red and resembles a cucumber.

Quirky Facts

• The Cucumber Tree is so called because of its cucumber-like fruit.
• The average lifespan is 100-120 years, but the oldest known specimen, in North Canton, Ohio, is estimated to be 432 years old.
• Unlike other magnolias, the cucumbertree is grown primarily for its foliage rather than its flowers.