Magnoliaceae -- Magnolia family

    H. Clay Smith

    Cucumbertree (Magnolia acuminata), also called cucumber  magnolia, yellow cucumbertree, yellow-flower magnolia, and  mountain magnolia, is the most widespread and hardiest of the  eight native magnolia species in the United States, and the only  magnolia native to Canada. They reach their greatest size in  moist soils of slopes and valleys in the mixed hardwood forests  of the southern Appalachian Mountains. Growth is fairly rapid and  maturity is reached in 80 to 120 years. The soft, durable,  straight-grained wood is similar to yellow-poplar (Liriodendron  tulipifera). They are often marketed together and used for  pallets, crates, furniture, plywood, and special products. The  seeds are eaten by birds and rodents and this tree is suitable  for planting in parks.