Photo of Magnolia acuminata by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Magnolia acuminata

Also Known As

  • Cucumber Tree

Plant type

tree

size

  • H: 60'-80'
  • W: 20'-35'

planting zones

  • 4a-8b

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Magnolia acuminata plant details

Magnolia acuminata is a broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In spring and summer yellow flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Features glossy texture. Grows well with bright shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Magnolia acuminata

Plant type: tree
Plant family: magnoliaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 20 FT - 35 FT - wide, 60 FT - 80 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: shade tree

GROWING CONDITIONS for Magnolia acuminata

USDA Zones: 4a - 8b
Sun exposure: bright shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: acidic, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This marvelous eastern United States native is hardy and fast-growing to 40-70', producing unusual if not showy, fragrant, green-yellow, tulip-like flowers followed by very showy cucumber like green fruits that mature to red in fall before opening to reveal red seeds suspended on threads, its 10" long yellow-green leaves make it a fine shade tree; this tree can be a wonderful specimen! S/M
Its common name is derived from the fruits that develop from green to dark red when they ripen. As the seeds are expelled, they're held by elastic threads for the birds, which devour them quickly just as they have done since the days of their fossilized ancestors. A magnificent, large, fast-growing and pH-adaptable tree, it can grow to 70 ft. Parent of the hardy yellow hybrids that are becoming so popular.
Well-suited for use as a shade tree or in the lawn, this deciduous tree has attractive 5-9" glossy leaves. After leaves emerge, small greenish-yellow flowers appear, usually in late spring and early summer, followed in the fall by reddish seed capsules. With a vigorous growth rate of 18-30" per year, ultimate height is 60-80', with a spread of 25'. It blooms at 12 years. Native to E. North America.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Gardening facts about Magnolia acuminata plant

How to Grow Magnolia acuminata

  • Sun Exposure

    • bright shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • adaptable
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Fruit

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • glossy
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