Kapok (ceiba, silk-cotton tree) Ceiba pentandra
Kapok (ceiba, silk-cotton tree) (Ceiba pentandra) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Malvaceae family, native to Tropical Americas and West Africa (one of the few trees native on both sides of the Atlantic). It grows 25–60 m (82–197 ft) tall and 15–30 m (49–98 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 25 m (82 ft) apart.
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Kapok (ceiba, silk-cotton tree) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Mature height | 25–60 m (82–197 ft) |
| Mature spread | 15–30 m (49–98 ft) |
| Spacing | 25 m (82 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about January for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (roasted; oil), young leaves and flowers (cooked in soups) |
| Native to | Tropical Americas and West Africa (one of the few trees native on both sides of the Atlantic) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇵🇭 Philippines |
Is Kapok (ceiba, silk-cotton tree) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; young trunks are covered in sharp spines.
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 Kapok (ceiba, silk-cotton tree)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Kapok (ceiba, silk-cotton tree)
- How far apart should I plant Kapok (ceiba, silk-cotton tree)?
- About 25 m (82 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–30 m (49–98 ft).
- Does Kapok (ceiba, silk-cotton tree) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Kapok (ceiba, silk-cotton tree) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Kapok (ceiba, silk-cotton tree)?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Kapok (ceiba, silk-cotton tree) flower?
- From about January for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Kapok (ceiba, silk-cotton 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 poisonous; young trunks are covered in sharp spines.
- What grows well with Kapok (ceiba, silk-cotton tree)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Kapok (ceiba, silk-cotton 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
- Agroforestree Database: a tree reference and selection guide, World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), Nairobi
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical: needs warm nights all year; in a frosty climate grow it under glass or as a summer container plant.
- A huge emergent tree with plank buttresses and tiered branches; far too big for most gardens. Bats pollinate the night flowers, and the pods split to release silky fibre once used to stuff life-jackets and pillows. Sacred to the Maya and in many West African towns, such as the old cotton tree of Freetown.
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
- Okra Abelmoschus esculentus
- Hollyhock Alcea rosea
- Tropical hibiscus Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
- Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus
- Small-leaved lime (linden) Tilia cordata
- Cacao Theobroma cacao
- Durian Durio zibethinus
- Red silk-cotton tree (kapok) Bombax ceiba