Argan tree Sideroxylon spinosum
Argan tree (Sideroxylon spinosum) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Sapotaceae family, native to South-west Morocco (endemic; UNESCO Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve). It grows 4–10 m (13–33 ft) tall and 5–10 m (16–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 7 m (23 ft) apart.
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Argan tree at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Sapotaceae |
| Mature height | 4–10 m (13–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–10 m (16–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 7 m (23 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 48 °C (118 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: kernel oil (pressed from roasted kernels) |
| Native to | South-west Morocco (endemic; UNESCO Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇦 Morocco |
Is Argan tree toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: spines
Thorny branches; raw kernels are bitter.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Argan tree
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Argan tree
- How far apart should I plant Argan tree?
- About 7 m (23 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–10 m (16–33 ft).
- Does Argan tree need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Argan tree need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Argan tree?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Argan tree flower?
- From about March for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Argan tree poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Thorny branches; raw kernels are bitter.
- What grows well with Argan tree?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Argan tree. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- Long known as Argania spinosa. Deep roots let it survive on dry slopes; goats famously climb it to browse.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lúcuma Pouteria lucuma
- Shea tree Vitellaria paradoxa
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- Star apple (caimito) Chrysophyllum cainito
- Spanish cherry (bullet wood, phikun) Mimusops elengi
- Mamey sapote Pouteria sapota
- Abiu Pouteria caimito
- African star apple (agbalumo, udara) Gambeya albida