The Cucumber Tree (Magnolia Acuminata)

(picture found at wikipedia.org, resources: http://www.plants.usda.gov, http://www.wikimedia.org, http://www.wikipedia.org)


The Cucumber tree is an endangered tree in the United State's eastern corner. The tree comes from the magnolia family.  It's native to the Appalachian belt from central Alabama up on to the farthest near the New England States.

The trees are in the class as the magnolias are. They grow a funny greenish cone that resembles a cucumber. The trees are deciduous but still have ovaries like evergreens and other trees.  The "cucumber" in turn becomes the "ovary". The "ovary" carries seeds that provide seeds to birds and other animals.

     The Cucumber Tree has a yellowish green flower that reminds you sort of the tulip poplar.  The flowers are very beautiful and it makes a great ornamental tree for your yard for years to come. I

this image is under creative commons at flickr.com