Tree Description:
A medium-sized tree with an upright, irregular crown with fern-like foliage, suitable for landscapes in southern and coastal Texas. Can reach heights of 45 feet, and works well as a street tree.
Range/Site Description:
Native to Brazil. Prefers well-drained sites, but tolerates hot climates near the coast. Intolerant of salt spray.
Leaf:
Alternate, double-compound, with a terminal pinna and leaflet. Leaves measure 1 to 2 feet, leaflets 0.33" long, oval, with smooth margin and blunt-pointed tip.
Flower:
Showy spikes of bluish-purple flowers appear throughout spring and summer.
Fruit:
A flattened pod, 1" to 3" long, persistent through the dormant season.
Bark:
Thin, tight, light gray, easily damaged by mowers.
Wood:
Sold commercially in the nursery trade as a landscape tree.
Similar Species:
Chinese flametree (Koelreuteria bipinnata) and Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) have toothed leaflets.
Interesting Facts:
