Magnolia acuminata
Cucumber Magnolia, Cucumbertree

Mature Height: 60-125'     Longevity: 150 years

4-7 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

4-8 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
4: All references indicate moist mesic soils needed. No reference to growth in dry areas.

7: "Low" flood tolerance listed. Most references indicate presence along streams.

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (NORTH) Solid through Z5. (SOUTH) Patchy distribution but deep into Z8 near Z9.

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: (NORTH) Same as NAS. (SOUTH) Same as NAS.

6   Sun Strength

5   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

Click here for Key
6.5 = Rapid
0 = Climax Capable
-.1 = 2 Major
0 = ?
0 = No
0 = 70'
0 = 125'

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
5 = intermediate
+.3 = Climax Capable
-.1 = 2 Major
0 = ?
0 = No
0 = 70'
-.3 = 150 years

TOTAL SCORE (6.4): Rapid growing tree but not one of the big pioneer species.

TOTAL SCORE (4.9): Most dependable sources site tree as intermediate in shade tolerance.

2   Fire Strength

2   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: None-low (Big Tree) = 2-3
References indicate tree is very susceptible to fire and bark provides little protection. Lowest value for a big tree assigned.
Final Value = 2

DEFENSE
Base Score: Susceptible = 2-3
Silvics Manual indicates tree is susceptible to windthrow especially on slopes. Limbs are weak & brittle and break easily in storms.
Final Value = 2