This site was last updated on December 4, 2020. The trunk and flowers of cucumbertree show its relationship to tulip poplar (Liriodendron), but the fruits are typical of the magnolia family. M. tripetala, Umbrella Tree or Umbrella Magnolia. Magnolia acuminata, commonly known as cucumber tree, is native to eastern North America, reaching its largest size in the southern Appalachian Mountains. It has historically been used as a substitute for quinine in the treatment of malaria. It is a deciduous magnolia and medium in size with a height range between 50 and 80 feet and mature diameters between 2 to 3 feet. subcordata - Called "Yellow Cucumbertree", this smaller variant of M. acuminata features more glossy leaves with pubescence on the undersides. to exist in the county by 1.⯠There is probably also a bitter glucosidal principle. Magnolia acuminata Photo Locations: The Morton Arboretum - Lisle, IL, Portland, OR, Louisiana State Arboretum - Ville Platte, LA, UC Berkeley Botanic Garden - Berkeley, CA and Arnold Arboretum - … The bark is patched with lichen, and the fruits resemble those of the cucumbertree, although most are still white with immaturity. Copyright 2020, University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Send mail to cgcass0@uky.edu with questions about this site. In late spring to early summer, tulip-shaped, slightly fragrant, yellowish-green flowers, 2-4 in. It remains to be seen how important these become in the trade. Young bark is relatively smooth gray, changing to ridged and furrowed with flat gray ridges and relatively narrow vertical fissures. This genus is now limited to eastern Asia, eastern North America and the Himalayas. Exact status definitions can vary from state to State documented: documented Grackles and blackbirds will eat the young fruit. Very few disease and insect problems. Anthropogenic (man-made or disturbed habitats), forest edges, shrublands or thickets, Usually occurs in non-wetlands, but occasionally in wetlands. These include M. liliiflora, M. sprengeri and M. x soulangiana. ME by Richards et al. However, its thin bark makes it vulnerable to injury. populations both exist in a county, only native status During late summer or autumn, these fruits become mature and release their seeds. The leaves have nice yellow-gold fall color. Note: when native and non-native Tulipastrum acuminatum (L.) Small; On the east coast of North America it is a common forest tree. Take a photo and Magnolia acuminata, commonly known as cucumber tree, is native to eastern North America, reaching its largest size in the southern Appalachian Mountains. They are very attractive and appear to bloom more reliably than saucer magnolia (M. x soulangiana) in areas with early springs and late frosts. It is hardy to zone (UK) 4. subcordata. Cucumber Magnolia (Magnolia acuminata) The Cucumber Magnolia, also known as Cucumber Tree Magnolia, is found as scattered specimens within Appalachian forests from western Pennsylvania to New York. unintentionally); has become naturalized. Magnolia acuminata - Fruit. Cucumbertree – Magnolia acuminata Growing to 30 meters, cucumbertree is the most widespread of the eight species native to the U.S. and the only magnolia native to Canada. Middle-aged Cucumbertree. This is because the three-inch long flowers are yellow-green in hue and tend to blend in with the trees foliage. Hybrids have also been made from M. acuminata and other magnolia species. For other trees with the shared common name cucumber tree, see Cucumber tree. Your help is appreciated. Its 6-12 inch long (0.3 m) leaves are scattered along the branches, and its large, white flowers have a pleasant fragrance. This tall magnolia makes a fine specimen and shade tree; thus, many cultivars have been bred. Leaves are alternate, simple, and dark green. FRUIT: Pink (Pinkish-red) SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS: Pa Native Plant: Find Other Plants Like This: Magnolia> Other Magnolia: Find More: Location Map for Magnolia acuminata. The trunk and fl ow- ers of cucumbertree show its relationship to tulip poplar (Liriodendron), but the fruits are typical of the magnolia family. The most exciting hybrids are from M. acuminata and M. denudata. donations to help keep this site free and up to date for The fruit is similar to that of Magnolia acuminata, but larger. (intentionally or The unripe fruits look like cucumbers, hence the name. Twigs, leaves, and buds are sometimes browsed by deer. description: The Gurkenmagnolie is one of the largest and most robust magnolia species. The specifi c epithet, acuminata, refers to the cucumbertree’s pointed leaf tips. Ser. An Equal Opportunity University. Magnolia acuminata (Cucumber Tree) The name cucumber tree originates from the fruit cones which are green when young and which, with some strech of the imagination, might be then linked to gherkin cucumbers. For graduate student information, contact Dr. Doug Archbold at 859-257-3352, or darchbol@uky.edu, Cucumbertree Magnolia - Magnolia acuminataMagnolia Family (Magnoliaceae). This tall magnolia makes a fine specimen and shade tree; thus, many cultivars have been bred. state. N-318 Ag Sciences Center University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40546-0091, Fax (Lexington): 859-257-2859 (Princeton): 270-365-2667, For questions about home gardening, landscaping or commercial horticulture production, please contact your county extension agent. M. virginiana L. var. the state. acuminata L.; Cucumber tree magnolias (Magnolia acuminata) are hardy varietals grown more for their foliage rather than their blooms. Magnolia acuminata - Buds. Magnolias were among the first flowering plants to appear on earth. Early Americans flavored whiskey with the bitter, immature fruit, which was used medicinally for fevers. The trunk and flowers of cucumbertree show its relationship to tulip poplar (Liriodendron), but the fruits are typical of the magnolia family. For details, please check with your state. in 20 years). The name Cucumber Tree refers to the unripe fruit, which is green and often shaped like a small cucumber. Magnolia: after Pierre Magnol (1638-1715), professor of botany at Montpellier. The seeds of the Cucumbertree Magnolia are eaten by several species of birds and small mammals. var. They have been selected for shape and yellow flower color. For undergraduate student information regarding the Sustainable Agriculture program, contact Dr. Krista Jacobsen at (859) 257-3921, or krista.jacobsen@uky.edu. It has small, inconspicuous flowers, light green leaves (6 to 10 inches long) and unusual cucumber-shaped fruit, which turns from a bright green to red in autumn. Small The stems are also more hairy than the species. The university does not review, control or take responsibility for the contents of those sites. The wood of the cucumbertree is similar to that of its cousin, the tulip poplar, and is frequently sold as such. To reuse an —This tree was discovered by Mark Catesby [ Note § page 30.] Updated October 24, 2019 Cucumbertree (Magnolia acuminata) is the most widespread and hardiest of the eight native magnolia species in the United States, and the only magnolia native to Canada. ⢠Can you please help us? Click here, then click on your county either on the map or from the list of counties below it. Cucumber tree is more common in southern New England than in northern areas. cordata (Michx.) (1983), but specimens are unknown. (L.) The immature green fruit resembles a cucumber and leads to the common name. All rights reserved. The name Magnolia is in honor of 18th century French botanist Pierre Magnol who established the renowned Montpellier Botanical Garden. Magnolia acuminata - Flowers. Magnolia acuminata - Bark. Magnolia acuminata Also covers those considered historical (not seen Native Plant Trust or respective copyright holders. Botanical History. These trees are stately as adults, especially when the lower limbs have been pruned to prevent them from dragging. Magnolia acuminata - Bud. about 1712, … Flower: Species is monoecious; 2 1/2 to 3 inches long, high in the tree, green to greenish-yellow, appearing in late spring or early summer. Magnolia acuminata - Habit. Their range once included many parts of Europe, Canada, Siberia and Greenland. Also covers evidence (herbarium specimen, photograph). However, its thin bark makes it vulnerable to injury. 2020 We depend on Cucumbertree1 Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson2 INTRODUCTION One of the fastest-growing Magnolias, Cucumbertree is pyramidal when young but becomes broad, oval or rounded with age, ultimately reaching 60 to 80 feet in height with a spread of 35 to 60 feet (Fig. Magnolia acuminata Family: Magnoliaceae Cucumber Tree, Cucumber Magnolia Origin: North America. Virginia botanist John Clayton introduced the cucumbertree into cultivation in 1736. Its 6-12 inch long (0.3 m) leaves are scattered along the branches, and its large, white flowers have a pleasant fragrance. Found this plant? Thickets and forest edges near areas of human habitation. Magnolia acuminata (Cucumber Tree) – This is a very large native tree (50 to 70 feet tall, 40 to 60 feet wide). Introduction One of the fastest-growing Magnolias, Cucumbertree is pyramidal when young but becomes broad, oval or rounded with age, ultimately reaching 60 to 80 feet in height with a spread of 35 to 60 feet. The specific epithet, acuminata, refers to the cucumbertree's pointed leaf tips. The bark and seed cones are bitter and aromatic, used as tonics, and in similar ways to M. acuminata. County documented: documented '. Magnolia acuminata L. var. those considered historical (not seen in 20 years). acuminata : a long point, the leaves. The Go Botany project is supported Physical Characteristics Magnolia Acuminata is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a medium rate. Scale insects can attack occasionally. to exist in the state, but not documented to a county within Magnolia acuminata, or Cucumber tree, is a handsome tree with a rounded, outline and massive wide-spreading branches at maturity. Non-native: introduced These numerous crosses have produced winter hardy, large, yellow-flowered magnolias. ... (5-7.5 cm long), borne solitary, not very showy. When Magnolia acuminata has been observed flowering at Longwood Gardens : AVE. 2018: 2017: 2016: 2015: 2014: 2013: 2012: 2011: 2009 ^Top of Page. Discover thousands of New England plants. WARNING: Some websites to which these materials provide links for the convenience of users are not managed by the University of Kentucky. CT, MA; also reported from image, please click it to see who you will need to contact. More About Magnolia acuminata Pyramidal when young, matures with a straight trunk and a rounded crown Greenish-yellow flowers bloom high in the tree Cylindrical bunches of seeds, (cucumbers) are green in late summer, ripening red, drying brown These are crosses that involve the smaller, shrubby form of M. acuminata var. The hardiest of all magnolias, Magnolia acuminata (Cucumber Tree) is a magnificent, deciduous tree with a straight trunk and a pyramidal crown. Latin name: Magnolia acuminata Family: Magnoliaceae (Magnolia Family) Medicinal use of Cucumber Tree: A tea made from the bark is antiperiodic, aromatic, mildly diaphoretic, laxative, stimulant, tonic. L. E. cucumber-tree. Botanist Francois Michaux subsequently came to North America to collect enough seed to satisfy the growing European demand for this hardy new magnolia species. post There are typically 10-60 fruits per compound fruit, although many fruits may fail to develop. The leaves yield a green, volatile oil with a more pleasant odour than fennel or anise. There are also a few small populations southeastern United States and in Canada. Magnolia acuminata Figure 1. Buds have silky, pale green hairs. ; The ripe fruit is a striking reddish orange color. All Characteristics, the underside of the leaf has hairs on it, the upper side of the leaf is fuzzy or hairy, the upper side of the leaf is not hairy, or has very few hairs, the base of the leaf blade is cuneate (wedge-shaped, tapers to the base with relatively straight, converging edges), or narrow, the base of the leaf blade is truncate (ends abruptly in a more or less straight line as though cut off), the leaf blade is elliptic (widest near the middle and tapering at both ends), the leaf blade is oblong (rectangular but with rounded ends). Magnolia are eaten by several species of birds and small mammals, large, magnolias... The map or from the list of counties below it the species hairy than the.... Quinine in the treatment of malaria human habitation States and in similar ways M.. 5-7.5 cm long ), open with the bitter, immature fruit, which started a new rage c... 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