Chinaberry (Persian lilac) Melia azedarach
Chinaberry (Persian lilac) (Melia azedarach) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Meliaceae family, native to South and East Asia to northern Australia. It grows 8–15 m (26–49 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan Chinaberry (Persian lilac) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Chinaberry (Persian lilac) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Mature height | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 44 °C (111 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | South and East Asia to northern Australia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇮🇳 India, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia |
| Invasive in | south-east United States, South Africa, Argentina: check local rules before planting |
Is Chinaberry (Persian lilac) toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: fruit, bark, leaves
Fruits contain tetranortriterpenoid neurotoxins (meliatoxins): fatal poisonings of children, dogs and pigs are recorded.
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 Chinaberry (Persian lilac)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Chinaberry (Persian lilac)
- How far apart should I plant Chinaberry (Persian lilac)?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Chinaberry (Persian lilac) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Chinaberry (Persian lilac) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Chinaberry (Persian lilac)?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Chinaberry (Persian lilac) flower?
- From about April for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Chinaberry (Persian lilac) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people severely toxic. Fruits contain tetranortriterpenoid neurotoxins (meliatoxins): fatal poisonings of children, dogs and pigs are recorded.
- What grows well with Chinaberry (Persian lilac)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Chinaberry (Persian lilac). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- Poisonous plants of North Carolina / Plant Toolbox toxicity, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Fragrant lilac flowers and drought-proof shade, but the fruit is poisonous and it seeds into wild land: avoid near children and pets.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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