Golden trumpet tree (ipê-amarelo) Handroanthus chrysotrichus
Golden trumpet tree (ipê-amarelo) (Handroanthus chrysotrichus) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Bignoniaceae family, native to Brazil and northern Argentina. It grows 5–10 m (16–33 ft) tall and 5–8 m (16–26 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
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Golden trumpet tree (ipê-amarelo) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
| Mature height | 5–10 m (16–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–8 m (16–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 156–261 weeks after planting, for 2–4 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Brazil and northern Argentina |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Golden trumpet tree (ipê-amarelo) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in standard 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 Golden trumpet tree (ipê-amarelo)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Golden trumpet tree (ipê-amarelo)
- How far apart should I plant Golden trumpet tree (ipê-amarelo)?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–8 m (16–26 ft).
- Does Golden trumpet tree (ipê-amarelo) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Golden trumpet tree (ipê-amarelo) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Golden trumpet tree (ipê-amarelo)?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Golden trumpet tree (ipê-amarelo) flower?
- About 156–261 weeks after planting, for 2–4 weeks.
- Is Golden trumpet tree (ipê-amarelo) 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 standard references.
- What grows well with Golden trumpet tree (ipê-amarelo)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Golden trumpet tree (ipê-amarelo). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Bare branches turn solid yellow for a couple of weeks in late winter; the ipê-amarelo is a symbol of Brazil. Also known as Tabebuia chrysotricha.
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
- Cape honeysuckle Tecoma capensis
- Trumpet vine Campsis radicans
- Jacaranda Jacaranda mimosifolia
- Pink trumpet tree (ipê) Handroanthus impetiginosus
- African tulip tree (Nandi flame) Spathodea campanulata
- Nile tulip (markhamia) Markhamia lutea
- Desert willow Chilopsis linearis
- Indian bean tree (southern catalpa) Catalpa bignonioides