Magnolia acuminata

Product Info

Cucumber Magnolia  (Magnolia acuminata)
Magnolia Family

Cucumber magnolia is one of the hardiest, tallest, and most widespread native magnolias. In spring, it produces greenish-yellow, tulip-like flowers that may be subtle from a distance but are intricate and beautiful up close. These blooms appear high in the canopy before the tree fully leafs out and are followed by cone-like, green fruits that resemble small cucumbers. In late summer to early fall, these fruits ripen and split open to reveal bright red seeds, which attract birds and other wildlife. Cucumber magnolia can grow 60 to 80 feet tall, sometimes reaching over 100 feet in ideal forest conditions.. The large, oblong leaves, typically 6 to 10 inches long, give it a tropical appearance during the growing season and turn a soft yellow in fall. In the wild, it thrives in deep, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. In the home landscape, it prefers similar conditions and benefits from some protection from harsh wind and drought. Ecologically, Magnolia acuminata is valuable as a host plant for several species of moths and butterflies. Its flowers are primarily pollinated by beetles, a trait typical of magnolias, which evolved before bees became widespread pollinators.

• Blooms: Green, 1-2 weeks, May-June
• Leaves: 6-10” long, very ornamental, nice fall, yellow color
• Height: 60-80’
• Space:20-30’
• Soil:Average-Moist
• Exposure:Full sun-Part sun-Part shade
• Fauna: Beetle pollinated, seeds for birds
• Seeds: Cone-like fruit filled with bright red fruit
• Deer Resistance:Low
• Zone:3-8
• Native Status: NC native, rare in the Piedmont, common in the Mountains
• Provenance:Unknown, seed grown