Cucumbertree Magnolia
Magnolia acuminata
Cucumbertree Magnolia (Magnolia acuminata) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Cucumber tree flower buds and young leaves are vulnerable to late spring frosts.
medium water40–60 ft tall and 30–50 ft wideDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Rating
- Right spot only (FRTRL: Conditionally Recommended)
- Botanical name
- Magnolia acuminata
- Variety / cultivar
- Cucumbertree
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 40–60 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~50 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam
- Soil pH
- 5.5–7.0
- Hail tolerance
- low
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- yellow, green
- Bloom time
- early spring
- Pollinator value
- moderate
Site factors to consider
- Watch: Short LivedFast but not forever; this one runs short lived here, so enjoy it and plan a successor rather than treating it as a legacy tree.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Frequently asked questions
- Is Cucumbertree Magnolia good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Cucumbertree Magnolia is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Cucumbertree Magnolia get?
- It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide.
- How much room does Cucumbertree Magnolia need?
- Give Cucumbertree Magnolia about 50 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Cucumbertree Magnolia grow into?
- Cucumbertree Magnolia typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Cucumbertree Magnolia hardy on the Front Range?
- Cucumbertree Magnolia is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Cucumbertree Magnolia need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Cucumbertree Magnolia grow?
- Cucumbertree Magnolia is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Cucumbertree Magnolia live?
- Cucumbertree Magnolia has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Cucumbertree Magnolia native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Cucumbertree Magnolia deer-resistant?
- Cucumbertree Magnolia is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
