Kadam Neolamarckia cadamba
Kadam (Neolamarckia cadamba) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Rubiaceae family, native to South and Southeast Asia. It grows 15–30 m (49–98 ft) tall and 8–15 m (26–49 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about 3 °C (37 °F). Space plants about 10 m (33 ft) apart.
Plan Kadam in your garden →
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Kadam at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 m (49–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Spacing | 10 m (33 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 4.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 3 °C (37 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | South and Southeast Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇻🇳 Vietnam |
Is Kadam toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Not reported as toxic to people; effects on cats and dogs are not documented.
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 Kadam
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
Questions about Kadam
- How far apart should I plant Kadam?
- About 10 m (33 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–15 m (26–49 ft).
- Does Kadam need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Kadam need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Kadam?
- It tolerates about 3 °C (37 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Kadam flower?
- From about June for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Kadam poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Not reported as toxic to people; effects on cats and dogs are not documented.
- What grows well with Kadam?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Kadam. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- India Biodiversity Portal (species pages), India Biodiversity Portal
Notes and assumptions
- Fast-growing; golf-ball flower heads appear with the monsoon and are linked with Krishna in Indian tradition.
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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