Family: Magnoliaceae
Author: (L.) L.
Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1082 (1759)
Year: 1759
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Magnolia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Ontario to EC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The Cucumber-tree, scientifically known as Magnolia acuminata, is an eminent member of the Magnoliaceae family. First documented in 1759 in the 10th edition of “Systema Naturae,” this robust and tall deciduous tree is native to the rich deciduous forests stretching from Ontario to the east-central and eastern United States.
Magnolia acuminata stands out both for its towering grace and its unique fruit, which resembles a small, slightly elongated cucumber—hence its common name. Reaching heights of up to 24 to 30 meters (approximately 80 to 100 feet), the Cucumber-tree boasts a straight trunk and a broadly pyramidal crown that provide an impressive canopy.
The leaves of the Magnolia acuminata are large, oblong, and simple, measuring approximately 10-24 centimeters in length. Their vibrant green hues create a lush, verdant display throughout the tree’s blooming season. In late spring to early summer, the Cucumber-tree adorns itself with small, pale yellow to green flowers that, although not as conspicuous as those of some of its cousins in the Magnolia genus, exude an understated elegance.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Cucumber-tree is its fruit. These intriguing, cucumber-like aggregates turn a striking reddish hue as they mature in late summer to early autumn. The seeds within are enclosed in a bright red aril, adding another layer of visual interest.
Magnolia acuminata thrives in deep, well-drained soils and requires ample sunlight to achieve its full grandeur. Its extensive root system helps stabilize the soil, making it a beneficial species for preventing erosion. In terms of habitat, it is often found in mixed hardwood forests and on moist slopes, adapting well to the temperate climate of its native regions.
The Cucumber-tree plays a significant role in the ecosystem, providing habitat and food for various species of wildlife. Its seeds serve as nourishment for birds and small mammals, while its lofty branches offer sanctuary for birds.
In summary, the Cucumber-tree (Magnolia acuminata) is a majestic and ecologically valuable tree, celebrated for its unique fruit, impressive stature, and contribution to forest biodiversity across its native range.
Common Names
Eng: cucumber-tree, cucumbertree, cucumber magnolia, cucumber tree, mountain magnolia, yellow cucumbertree
Deu: gurken-magnolie
Swe: poppelmagnolia
Fra: magnolia acuminé
En: Cucumber-tree, Cucumbertree, Cucumber tree, Cucumber Magnolia, Mountain Magnolia, Yellow Cucumbertree, ᏧᏆᎶᎦ ᏤᏆ
Ar: ماغنوليا مستدقة
Cs: Šácholan zašpičatělý
Fi: Poppelimagnolia
Fr: Magnolia acuminé
De: Gelbblütige Gurken-Magnolien, Gurken-Magnolie
Hu: Hegyeslevelű liliomfa
Ru: Магнолия длиннозаострённая
Sv: Poppelmagnolia
Synonyms
- Tulipastrum americanum var. vulgare (Spach)
- Kobus acuminata ((L.) Nieuwl.)
- Magnolia virginiana var. acuminata (L.)
- Tulipastrum acuminatum ((L.) Small)
- Magnolia umbrella var. acuminata ((L.) P.Parm.)
- Tulipastrum americanum (Spach)
- Yulania acuminata ((L.) D.L.Fu)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Sep 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2021 by Matthew Dyer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 20, 2019 by Aneta Čermáková (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 26, 2008 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 14, 2022 by Tilly Costa (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken Apr 16, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 19, 2020 by Daniel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 14, 2022 by Tilly Costa (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 5, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 10, 2020 by Idril (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 17, 2022 by Shawn Poh (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2020 by Minoo Baghjeri (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Other
Taken Nov 24, 2014 by EOL − person136793 (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 17, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 8, 2019 by Anikab10 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2020 by Samuel Saulé (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 4, 2022 by Joshua Stinson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Chris G (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2021 by Matthew Dyer (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 5, 2006 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 31, 2013 by EOL − David Yeany (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 17, 2022 by Shawn Poh (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 14, 2021 by Guenther Weissbarth (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 14, 2022 by Tilly Costa (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- WFO (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3153837)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:554627-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Magnolia acuminata (L.) L.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Stem
Growth habit>: Tree
Growth rate>: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 5.2