Illawarra flame tree Brachychiton acerifolius
Illawarra flame tree (Brachychiton acerifolius) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Malvaceae family, native to Coastal rainforest of New South Wales and Queensland. It grows 10–20 m (33–66 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
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Illawarra flame tree at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 m (33–66 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 | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about November for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Coastal rainforest of New South Wales and Queensland |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇮🇱 Israel |
Is Illawarra flame tree toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: seed pod hairs
Pods are lined with irritant hairs; wear gloves.
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 Illawarra flame tree
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Illawarra flame tree
- How far apart should I plant Illawarra flame tree?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Illawarra flame tree need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Illawarra flame tree need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Illawarra flame tree?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Illawarra flame tree flower?
- From about November for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Illawarra flame tree poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Pods are lined with irritant hairs; wear gloves.
- What grows well with Illawarra flame tree?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Illawarra flame tree. 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).
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Drops its leaves before flowering, so the whole crown turns scarlet with small bells in early summer; spectacular only in some years.
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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