Cucumber Tree, Cucumber Magnolia

Scientific Name: Magnolia acuminata (L.) L.
Synonym: Magnolia acuminata var. cordata , Magnolia cordata, Tulipastrum acuminatum, Tulipastrum cordatum
Family: Magnoliaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 1-8,14-21
USDA: 4-9

Heat Tolerance: Light shade in areas with hot dry summers

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: From southeastern Canada south to Louisiana

Growth Habits: Deciduous tree, 60 to 80 feet tall (18-24 m), 25 feet in spread (7.5 m); glossy 5 to 9 inches long leaves (12-22 cm)

Flowers: Greenish flowers

Watering Needs: Deep watering

Propagation: Seeds, selected trees can be grafted, cuttings are generally unsuccesful

Propagation: Cutting or occasionally seed, layering, grafting/budding

• by softwood stem tip cuttings, in summer. Apply IBA TALC 3000 PPM. Use intermittent mist. Root in 6-8 weeks.
• by layers.
• by grafts.
• by seeds, in spring. Germinates at 70-85 degrees F. The seeds can be harvested in autumn. The seeds need stratify 40F 4-5mo.. The usual germination temperature is 70-85 degrees F.

Blooming Habits:
Green to greenish-yellow flowers, high in the tree, 2.5 to 3 inches long (6-7.5 cm), from early April through early July depending on location. They close at night, lasting a few days.

Fruiting Habits:
The Cucumber Tree is not generally self-pollinating. The fruit is a cucumber-shaped cone, 2 to 3 inches long (5-7.5 cm), ripening in October. The seeds are about 0.5 inch long (1.2 cm), nearly round, red when mature.