When does the cucumbertree magnolia bloom?

Cucumbertree magnolia flowers in May and June, producing upright greenish-yellow blooms that are less showy than other magnolias and often hidden among the leaves.

What pollinates cucumbertree magnolia flowers?

Beetles and bees are the main pollinators, a pattern typical of magnolias, which evolved before bees became common and still rely heavily on beetle activity.

What growing conditions suit this tree best?

Cucumbertree magnolia does best in part sun to full sun with medium to consistently moist, well drained soil, and it can struggle in dry or compacted sites.

How large does a cucumbertree magnolia get?

This tree grows quite large for a magnolia, often reaching 50 to 80 feet tall with a broad pyramidal to rounded crown at maturity.

Is Cucumber-tree toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Cucumber-tree as toxic to livestock.

Is Cucumber-tree HOA-friendly?

Cucumber-tree is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Cucumber-tree

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Magnolia acuminata

Last reviewed: September 2026

Magnolia acuminata, the cucumbertree, is a large deciduous shade tree with subtle greenish-yellow flowers in May and June. It grows well in part sun to full sun with medium to moist soil in eastern woodlands and yards.

Toxicity unknown

Cucumber-tree (Magnolia acuminata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Cucumber-tree as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

360"–720" H × 240"–480" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 18 more states

Pollinators

beetles, bees

Before you buy

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Cucumber-tree is a native magnolia growing into a large shade tree with yellow-green tulip-shaped flowers in late spring. The tree develops a straight trunk and pyramidal shape when young, becoming more rounded with age.

Growing Cucumber-tree

Grow Cucumber-tree in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 360 to 720 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Cucumber-tree is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone.

Very large mature size requires adequate space
Flowers are subtle compared to ornamental magnolias

Wildlife value

Host plant for tiger swallowtail butterfly.

The flowers attract beetles and bees in May and June. Birds and small mammals eat the red seeds that emerge from cone-like fruit in fall.

Common questions

When does the cucumbertree magnolia bloom?: Cucumbertree magnolia flowers in May and June, producing upright greenish-yellow blooms that are less showy than other magnolias and often hidden among the leaves.
What pollinates cucumbertree magnolia flowers?: Beetles and bees are the main pollinators, a pattern typical of magnolias, which evolved before bees became common and still rely heavily on beetle activity.
What growing conditions suit this tree best?: Cucumbertree magnolia does best in part sun to full sun with medium to consistently moist, well drained soil, and it can struggle in dry or compacted sites.
How large does a cucumbertree magnolia get?: This tree grows quite large for a magnolia, often reaching 50 to 80 feet tall with a broad pyramidal to rounded crown at maturity.
Is Cucumber-tree toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Cucumber-tree as toxic to livestock.
Is Cucumber-tree HOA-friendly?: Cucumber-tree is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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