Magnolia kobus aka Cucumber Magnolia

Magnolia kobus, or kobus magnolia, belongs to the magnolia family. It comes from Japan and Jeju Island in Korea. This slow-growing tree sheds its leaves each year. It can also grow as a large, many-stemmed shrub. Garden trees reach 25–40 feet [7.6–12 metres] tall. Their spread ranges from 13–35 feet [4–10.7 metres]. Sources differ on size, with some giving shorter, wider trees. Young trees have a cone-like outline. Their crowns become broad and dense with age.

Older trunks have grey-brown bark that can develop ridges. The thin bark is easy to harm with lawn tools. Green twigs bear brown spots and grey lenticels. Broken twigs give off a strong smell. The simple leaves grow in an alternate pattern. They widen toward the tip and have smooth edges. Their upper sides are dark green, with lighter undersides. Fall leaves may turn yellow, though the display varies. Silky grey hairs cover the large flower buds.

White flowers open on bare branches in early spring. March and April are the main bloom months. Some sites report flowers into May. The scented blooms can have pink or purple near their bases. Each flower has six to nine broad tepals. Young trees may take many years to bloom well. Seed-grown trees may need 25–30 years for their best display. Pink, cone-like fruits follow the flowers and contain grouped follicles. These split to show red seeds that draw birds.

Grow this tree in sun or part shade. It prefers rich, moist soil that drains well. It accepts clay, loam and sand, but dislikes very dry or soggy ground. Acid to neutral soil suits it; sources also report alkaline tolerance. Shelter helps protect its brittle branches from strong winds. Late frosts can spoil buds and open flowers. The RHS rates it H6 for UK hardiness. North Carolina State lists USDA zones 4–8. Roots can suffer damage when gardeners move the tree.

Use it as a lawn specimen or near a patio. Its wood serves for matches, utensils and engraving. Scale insects, capsid bugs and weevils may cause trouble. Reported diseases include leaf spot, honey fungus and grey mould. Minimal pruning is needed. Plants For A Future lists cooked flowers and flower buds as food. It also records leaves for food, tea and seasoning. That source reports no known hazards, but does not establish pet safety.