One of the largest magnolias, and the only one native to Canada, is the Cucumbertree. This species is named for its long, oblong-shaped fruti. Cucumbertrees have grown as large as 8' (4.2 m) in diameter and 96' (29 m) tall. They can also live for more than 100 years. Description: This large magnolia tree has a straight trunk and a narrow crown of short upright to spreading branches. Its leaves are 5-10" (13-25 cm) long, often larger, and 3-6" (7.5-15 cm) wide. They are elliptical or ovate, abruptly short-pointed, with straight or wavy edges, and green, becoming hairless above and polar and often with soft hairs beneath, and turning dull yellow or brown in fall. The bark is dark brown, furrowed into narrow, scaly, forking ridges. The twigs are stout with ring scars at nodes; young twigs and buds are densely hairy. Flowers: Spring. 21/2-31/2" (6-9 cm) wide; bell-shaped, with six large greenish-yellow or bright yellow petals; solitary at the end of twig. Fruit: 21/2-3" (6-7.5 cm) long, conelike, oblong, dark red, and composed of many pointed fruits that split open, each with two seeds that hang down on threads; maturing in late summer. Habitat: Moist soils of mountain slopes and valleys in mixed forests. Range: Extreme southern Ontario and western New York south to northwestern Florida, west to Louisiana, and north to Missouri: at 100-4000' (30-1219 m). Uses: Cucumbertrees are planted as ornamental and shade trees. Similar Species: Fraser Magnolia, Pyramid Magnolia. Conservation Status: Lc The population is stable with a widespread distribution in eastern North America. There are no identified threats. Book jacket.