April 2024

Gold Star magnolia, or the Cucumber Tree, is one of several deciduous magnolias that we have an opportunity to grow successfully in the Ozark region. Unlike the more common deciduous magnolias (Magnolia x soulangeana and Magnolia stellata), Gold Star has light yellow flowers vs. the purplish to white blossoms of the others. Another major difference is that this magnolia can reach 40 to upwards of 60 feet tall and wide. The unexpected yellow flowers make this tree a stand out, and a must-have in your garden.

The cucumber tree is native to the Eastern US, primarily within the northern part of the Appalachian belt into western Pennsylvania and New York.

Unfortunately, Gold Star magnolia is not widely distributed in the nursery industry. Varieties available include Butterflies, Ellen and Elizabeth. For tighter spaces the cultivar ‘Yellow Fever’ (var. subcordata) is shorter and shrubbier with yellow flowers.

Here at BGO, you will find two Gold Star magnolias, one at the entrance immediately on the left and the other near the Gate House entrance by the bridge that spans the rock garden water feature. These two trees will finish blooming by mid-month and at that time, the tree will have started to leaf out. These leaves will have a nice yellow-to-gold fall color.

Berni Kurz

Director of Horticulture

Botanical Garden of the Ozarks