Cucumber Tree

Cucumber Tree

(Magnolia acuminata)

The Magnolia Family (Magnoliaceae)

Medium-sized tree with simple, large, alternate, deciduous leaves. Short, straight, stout trunk with furrowed gray-brown bark, narrow crown, and upright to spreading branches.

Habitat:

Well drained, but moist hardwood sloped forest.

Interesting Facts:

Immature seed pod resembles a small, lumpy cucumber. Fruit and bark are used by herbalists to treat a number of health issues including malaria, stomach ailments and toothaches.

Fruit:

2.5 -3” long, cone-like, greenish at first, then turning pinkish red at maturity.

Flower:

Bell-shaped, yellow-green to bright yellow, 2.5 - 3.5” wide. Not showy, for usually hidden in leaves at the top of the tree. Edible.

Wildlife value:

Birds and small mammals eat the seed, deer browse the twigs.

Flower