A North American native, Cucumber tree grows in full sun or partial shade on well-drained soils, and should be protected from harsh, dry winds. In their native habitat, trees do best in slightly acidic soil along stream banks and on cool hillsides. Plants should not be exposed to prolonged flooding, drought, or too much pollution, but they will tolerate alkaline and wet soil quite well. Although trees should be allowed to grow and develop naturally except for occasional removal of upright branches, any pruning which might be necessary should be done only after flowering so the flower display can be enjoyed.

Be sure to clear all turf away from beneath the branches to reduce competition with turf. Remove some branches so they will not touch each other. Remove some secondary branches from main branches (especially those toward the end of the main branches) if main branches have included bark. This reduces the likelihood of main branches splitting from the tree later when it has grown to become an important part of the landscape. Locate the tree properly, taking into account the ultimate size since the tree looks best if it is not pruned to control size.

Wood weighs about 50 pounds per cubic foot. Wood is considered diffuse porous meaning that there is little difference in size of pores between spring and summer wood.

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