Quick answer: Cucumbertree (Magnolia acuminata) is native to 19 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | High water, Moist-Wet |
| Soil | Rich, moist, acidic soils |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Jun |
| Height | 60-75 ft, often taller |
| Wildlife value | Fruit forage for towhees and ground-feeding birds, small mammals, attracts birds |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 16 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 16 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Cucumbertree
Where is Cucumbertree native?
Cucumbertree (Magnolia acuminata) is native to 19 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Cucumbertree bloom?
Cucumbertree blooms May-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Cucumbertree need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: High water, Moist-Wet. Soil: Rich, moist, acidic soils. Mature height: 60-75 ft, often taller.
Is Cucumbertree good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Fruit forage for towhees and ground-feeding birds, small mammals, attracts birds.
Is Cucumbertree deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Cucumbertree is tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Where can I buy Cucumbertree?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 16 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Magnolia acuminata by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Cucumbertree.
- Black willow Salix nigra
- Water oak Quercus nigra
- American holly Ilex opaca
- Common hoptree Ptelea trifoliata
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- Devil's walking stick Aralia spinosa
Also listed under
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