Features: The cucumber tree (Magnolia acuminata) is the only native species of magnolia in Canada. This tree is named for the slight resemblance that the immature fruit bears to a cucumber. Mature fruits are reddish in colour and are made up of many fleshy pods, each containing one or two scarlet seeds. This tree grows in rich, well-drained soils in deciduous forest habitats, and can reach heights of about 30 metres in Ontario. The large, solitary greenish-yellow flowers are pollinated by beetles.

Status: Endangered Provincially and Nationally

Range: The cucumber tree is relatively common in the eastern and east central United States. In Canada, it grows naturally only in southwestern Ontario (in Norfolk County and the Region of Niagara). Only twelve naturally occurring populations are currently known in the province. This is an increase from 1984, when nine populations were known, however only three of these populations showed significant regeneration. Range Maps

Threats: The species declined in southwestern Ontario due to deforestation. Recovery is slowed because some remaining trees are too widely separated for natural pollination to occur. In addition, the habitat requirements for this species are extremely specific, which prevents it from spreading to other areas.

Protection: The cucumber tree is listed under Ontario's Endangered Species Act, 2007, which protects the species and its habitat. The Provincial Policy Statement of the Planning Act requires municipalities to protect the significant habitat of endangered and threatened species during development review. Cucumber trees that are raised and sold as nursery stock and used in horticultural plantings are not protected in regulation under the E.S.A. Ontario's Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program (CLTIP) provides eligible landowners with 100% tax relief on the portion of their property (minimum size 0.5 acres) determined to be endangered species habitat. The CLTIP program recognizes, encourages and supports private land stewardship. Through the efforts of the Cucumber Tree Recovery Team, a detailed recovery strategy has been prepared and recovery actions and research projects are being initiated.

Text Sources: Ambrose and Aboud 1984a; Argus et al. 1982-87; Farrar 1995; Hosie 1969

Last Modified Date: October 2008