Cucumber Tree is actually a Magnolia (Magnolia acuminata). What?! Turns out that the common name is from the fruit that when unripe is shaped and looks like a cucumber. This Magnolia is one of the largest Magnolia varieties. Copyright 2025 Pamela BreitbergThe Cucumber Tree flowers are found higher up on the tree branches, so my zoom lens was needed to capture the closer image. They are appropriately popular shade trees in parks due to their large size. Copyright 2025 Pamela BreitbergFull view of this Cucumber Tree located just outside the Lincoln Park Zoo. It seems to be a relatively young planting, yet to reach mature width and height. Copyright 2025 Pamela Breitberg
