Flame of the forest (palash) Butea monosperma
Flame of the forest (palash) (Butea monosperma) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Indian subcontinent and mainland South-east Asia. 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 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan Flame of the forest (palash) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Flame of the forest (palash) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| 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 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 45 °C (113 °F) |
| Flowering | about 261–417 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Indian subcontinent and mainland South-east Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇻🇳 Vietnam |
Is Flame of the forest (palash) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: seeds
Seeds are a traditional dewormer and are irritant and toxic in larger amounts.
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 Flame of the forest (palash)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Flame of the forest (palash)
- How far apart should I plant Flame of the forest (palash)?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Flame of the forest (palash) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Flame of the forest (palash) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Flame of the forest (palash)?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Flame of the forest (palash) flower?
- About 261–417 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Flame of the forest (palash) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Seeds are a traditional dewormer and are irritant and toxic in larger amounts.
- What grows well with Flame of the forest (palash)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Leafless in the dry season, when it bursts into flame-orange, beak-shaped flowers; the source of the traditional Holi dye.
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
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis