large-leaved cucumber tree

[ lahrj-leevd ]

noun

a round-headed tree, Magnolia macrophylla, of the southeastern United States, having soft, hairy leaves from 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 centimeters) long, fragrant, cup-shaped, creamy-white flowers with a purplish base which are from 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters) wide, and rose-colored, round fruit.

Origin of large-leaved cucumber tree

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

It is known as large-leaved cucumber tree, great-leaved magnolia, large-leaved umbrella tree, and long-leaved magnolia.
American Forest Trees | Henry H. Gibson
The large-leaved cucumber tree exceeds all other magnolias in the size of its leaves and flowers.
Trees Worth Knowing | Julia Ellen Rogers
The silver-lined leaves of the large-leaved cucumber tree are over a foot in length, sometimes two and one-half feet, down South.
Trees Every Child Should Know | Julia Ellen Rogers

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