Cucumber Tree
Magnolia acuminata
- Native to:
- Canada, United States, Virgin Islands
Photo by and (c)2016 Derek Ramsey ( Ram-Man (en.wikipedia.org) )
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Magnoliaceae
- Genus:
- Magnolia
- Species:
- Magnolia acuminata
- USDA Symbol:
- MAAC
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 3000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- greenish-yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Endopiza liriodendrana, Magnolia Leafroller Moth (Archips magnoliana), Morrisonia latex, Phyllocnistis magnoliella, Promethea silkmoth (Callosamia promethea), Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes), Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus), Palamedes Swallowtail (Papilio palamedes)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Phyllocnistis liriodendronella Butterflies:Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fall Color:
- yellow, orange
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage preferred
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers deep, fertile soils in natural habitat
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in cold moist stratification for 140 days
Establishment: M. acuminata is found in temperate deciduous forests of the eastern United States and is the only Magnolia native to Canada
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)