Cucumber Tree

(Mountain Magnolia)                             

Magnolia Acuminata

A large, rare tree native to southern Ontario and northeastern USA. The hardiest magnolia in North America and the only one native to Canada. Large, dark-green leaves up to 10 inches long. Peculiar green fruits, 2 to 3 inches long, that slightly resemble small cucumbers. They turn an attractive pinkish-red upon maturity. Flowers are ‘perfect’ containing both male and female parts. They are large, yellow-green and tulip-like but not as showy as other magnolias. Self-pollination is rare as pollen ripens after stigma is no longer receptive so plant at least 2 trees if seed is required. The species is relatively free of diseases and pests.