Wood Species Guide
Cucumbertree
Magnolia acuminata
Also called: Cucumber Tree, Cucumber Magnolia, Mountain Magnolia, Yellow Cucumbertree
About the name “Cucumbertree”
Cucumbertree is a magnolia, a cousin of Southern magnolia and of the yellow poplar that lumberyards sell as "poplar." Its lumber is often mixed in with poplar and sold under that name.
What Cucumbertree looks like
Heartwood is light to medium olive brown, sometimes with green or darker streaks, and the wide sapwood is creamy white. It looks very much like poplar.
Grain and texture
Straight grain with a fine, even texture and a soft luster.
Working Cucumbertree: planing, cutting and gluing
Easy to work with hand and power tools, much like poplar. It planes, glues and screws well and turns cleanly. Soft enough to dent, so it suits painted and hidden parts best.
Finishing Cucumbertree: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Paints beautifully and takes stain fairly evenly, though a conditioner helps avoid blotch. The closed grain seals easily before epoxy. Greenish heartwood turns brown with light.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Not durable and susceptible to insects. It is fairly stable once dry. In Florida, keep it indoors and finish all faces.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
You have probably used cucumbertree without knowing it, since it is often sold as poplar. It is a good, inexpensive wood for paint-grade cabinets, drawer boxes and furniture frames. Treat it exactly like poplar in the shop. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Cucumbertree
Furniture frames, cabinets, drawer sides, interior trim, millwork, plywood and veneer, and boxes.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Rated Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Safety and toxicity
- Respiratory / asthma
A few reports of runny nose and asthma-like symptoms from magnolia dust. Serious reactions are uncommon.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask when sanding
- Food contact
- Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
Magnolia woods have been reported to cause runny nose and asthma-like symptoms in some people. Use dust collection and a mask.
Cucumbertree in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Cucumbertree listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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