Guaraná Paullinia cupana
Guaraná (Paullinia cupana) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Sapindaceae family, native to Central Amazon (Maués region, Brazil). It grows 2–10 m (6.6–33 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about 12 °C (54 °F). Space plants about 4 m (13 ft) apart.
Plan Guaraná in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Guaraná at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Mature height | 2–10 m (6.6–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 4 m (13 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4–6 |
| Cold hardiness | About 12 °C (54 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about August for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (roasted, as a stimulant) |
| Native to | Central Amazon (Maués region, Brazil) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Guaraná toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: seeds
The seeds hold 2.5–5 % caffeine, about twice coffee beans; caffeine is poisonous to cats and dogs (ASPCA).
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 Guaraná
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With English lavender: Acid-loving plants need pH 4.5–5.5, lavender prefers neutral to alkaline soil; one bed cannot suit both. Evidence B
Questions about Guaraná
- How far apart should I plant Guaraná?
- About 4 m (13 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Guaraná need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Guaraná need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Guaraná?
- It tolerates about 12 °C (54 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Guaraná flower?
- From about August for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Guaraná poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. The seeds hold 2.5–5 % caffeine, about twice coffee beans; caffeine is poisonous to cats and dogs (ASPCA).
- What grows well with Guaraná?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Guaraná. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora e Funga do Brasil, Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (REFLORA)
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- A woody climber trained as a bush in plantations; red capsules split to show a black seed in white aril, “like an eye”, the subject of a Sateré-Mawé origin story (folklore). Brazil’s national soft drink flavour.
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
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Red maple Acer rubrum
- Lychee Litchi chinensis
- Longan Dimocarpus longan
- Rambutan Nephelium lappaceum
- Sugar maple Acer saccharum
- Norway maple Acer platanoides
- Field maple Acer campestre