University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension - Selecting Trees for Your Home
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/treeselector
Cucumbertree Magnolia
Magnolia acuminata
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Size:

Small

Medium
Size: large
Large
Exposure/ Light Requirements:
Full Shade not required.
Full Shade
Full Sun required.
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade not required.
Partial Sun/Shade
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 8 
[Find Your Zone]
Mature Height: 50-75 Feet
Features: 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).
Culture: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well drained soils; prefers slightly acid soil, but tolerates alkaline.
Cultivars:

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.
Mature Form: Pyramidal to oval (sometimes rounded)
Native To: United States
Soil Conditions:
Dry
Soil condition: Moist, Well-DrainedMoist, Well-Drained
Wet
Tolerance:
Tolerance: Alkaline SoilAlkaline Soil
Dry Sites
Salt
Soil Compaction
Wet Sites
Wind
Uses:
Massing
Patio
Screen
Use for: Shade.Shade
Specimen
Street
Wind Break
Foliage Color: Green
 
Fall Foliage Color: Green
Yellow
 
Additional Notes: Can be difficult to transplant due to fleshy root system; too large for smaller urban and suburban yards.