40 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 
Magnolia acuminata (cucumber tree).—This is the hardiest 
of our native magnolias. Its natural distribution is from 
western New York to Georgia, west to southern Illinois and 
Arkansas. It is pyramidal in form, of somewhat spreading 
habit, and grows to a height of from 60 to 100 feet. The 
leaves are 6-10 inches long, with a sharp-pointed apex and 
heart-shaped base, yellowish green in color, turning yellow in 
autumn. The flowers are 2-3 inches long, tulip-like, yellowish 
green, rather inconspicuous because of being surrounded by 
the young yellowish green leaves. The fruit is showy, re- 
sembling a cucumber in form, hence the common name. This 
tree is valuable for avenue and park planting and is also a 
good stock on which to graft the less hardy varieties. 
Magnolia cordata (yellow cucumber tree).—This species is 
native to Georgia and Alabama. It is smaller than M. acwmi- 
nata, of which it was formerly considered a variety, and has 
bright yellow flowers and almost evergreen leaves. The name 
cordata is derived from its broad heart-shaped leaves. This 
is a good tree for lawn and park planting. 
Magnolia tripetala (umbrella tree)—This magnolia grows 
to a height of 40 feet and has spreading branches forming 
a rather open head. Its natural range is from Pennsylvania 
to Alabama, west to Arkansas and Mississippi. The leaves are 
bright green, smooth, thin, 10-15 inches long, obovate, with 
pointed apex tapering towards the leaf-stalk. The flowers are 
white, 8-10 inches in diameter, very showy, appearing in May. 
The flower is surrounded by a whorl of leaves which has been 
likened to an umbrella, hence the common name. The fruit is 
conspicuous. This is one of the finest of our native magnolias 
and should be planted in situations sheltered from the wind, 
as the large leaves are easily torn if not protected. 
Magnolia Frasert (ear-leaved magnolia).—This species at- 
tains a height of 30-40 feet and has wide spreading branches. 
Its natural habitat is from Virginia to Florida, west to Missis- 
sippi, in well-drained soil along mountain streams. The leaves 
are smooth, green, pale beneath, 8-20 inches long, with pointed 
apex, and ear-shaped lobes at the base. The flowers are creamy 
white, fragrant, blooming in May. The fruit is 4-5 inches long, 
