Kola nut Cola nitida
Kola nut (Cola nitida) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Malvaceae family, native to West African rainforest. It grows 10–20 m (33–66 ft) tall and 6–12 m (20–39 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about 15 °C (59 °F). Space plants about 9 m (30 ft) apart.
Plan Kola nut in your garden →
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Kola nut at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 m (33–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 9 m (30 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 15 °C (59 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 313–521 weeks after planting, for 9–13 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (chewed; contain caffeine) |
| Native to | West African rainforest |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇬 Nigeria |
Is Kola nut toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: seeds
Caffeine and theobromine: harmful to pets.
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 Kola nut
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Kola nut
- How far apart should I plant Kola nut?
- About 9 m (30 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–12 m (20–39 ft).
- Does Kola nut need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Kola nut need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Kola nut?
- It tolerates about 15 °C (59 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Kola nut flower?
- About 313–521 weeks after planting, for 9–13 weeks.
- Is Kola nut poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. Caffeine and theobromine: harmful to pets.
- What grows well with Kola nut?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Kola nut. 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).
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Kola nuts are offered in welcome ceremonies across West Africa; the original flavouring of cola drinks.
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