Ivory curl tree Buckinghamia celsissima
Ivory curl tree (Buckinghamia celsissima) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Proteaceae family, native to Tropical rainforest of north-east Queensland. It grows 6–10 m (20–33 ft) tall and 4–6 m (13–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
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Ivory curl tree at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Proteaceae |
| Mature height | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 4–6 m (13–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 156–261 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Tropical rainforest of north-east Queensland |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Ivory curl tree toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
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 Ivory curl tree
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Ivory curl tree
- How far apart should I plant Ivory curl tree?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 4–6 m (13–20 ft).
- Does Ivory curl tree need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Ivory curl tree need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Ivory curl tree?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Ivory curl tree flower?
- About 156–261 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Ivory curl tree 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. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Ivory curl tree?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Ivory curl tree. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
Notes and assumptions
- Like other Proteaceae it has cluster roots that make it very sensitive to phosphorus: feed only with a low-phosphorus native-plant fertiliser, or not at all.
- A neat small tree that covers itself in summer with long, curling spikes of creamy, honey-scented flowers, a magnet for bees and birds; planted as a street tree in Queensland and northern NSW.
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
- Macadamia Macadamia integrifolia
- King protea Protea cynaroides
- Pincushion protea Leucospermum cordifolium
- Rosemary grevillea Grevillea rosmarinifolia
- Coast banksia Banksia integrifolia
- Waratah Telopea speciosissima
- Silver tree (witteboom) Leucadendron argenteum
- Oleander-leaf protea Protea neriifolia