Coihue (Dombey’s southern beech) Nothofagus dombeyi
Coihue (Dombey’s southern beech) (Nothofagus dombeyi) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Nothofagaceae family, native to Southern Chile and Argentina. It grows 20–40 m (66–131 ft) tall and 8–15 m (26–49 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 10 m (33 ft) apart.
Plan Coihue (Dombey’s southern beech) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Coihue (Dombey’s southern beech) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Nothofagaceae |
| Mature height | 20–40 m (66–131 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Spacing | 10 m (33 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Southern Chile and Argentina |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Coihue (Dombey’s southern beech) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
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 Coihue (Dombey’s southern beech)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
Questions about Coihue (Dombey’s southern beech)
- How far apart should I plant Coihue (Dombey’s southern beech)?
- About 10 m (33 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–15 m (26–49 ft).
- Does Coihue (Dombey’s southern beech) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Coihue (Dombey’s southern beech) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Coihue (Dombey’s southern beech)?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- Is Coihue (Dombey’s southern beech) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Coihue (Dombey’s southern beech)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Coihue (Dombey’s southern beech). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Tall evergreen beech of the Valdivian rainforest; small glossy leaves in flat sprays. Fast-growing in cool, wet climates.
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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