Yellow-green magnolia type flowers in spring, not as showy as the flowers of other magnolias; large, dark green leaves in summer; pinkish red fruit that are cucumber shaped (autumn).
Full sun to partial shade; moist, well drained soils; prefers slightly acid soil, but tolerates alkaline.
The most common cultivars are actually hybrids, crosses between Cucumbertree magnolia and another species of magnolia. These hybrids often yield flowers that are more yellow and trees that are smaller. They include
- 'Elizabeth'-ivory-yellow flowers, 15-30 feet tall.
- 'Ivory Chalice'-similar to 'Elizabeth'.
- 'Yellow Lantern'-creamy yellow flowers; 25 feet.
4 - 8
Can be difficult to transplant due to fleshy root system; too large for smaller urban and suburban yards.