Tarata (lemonwood) Pittosporum eugenioides
Tarata (lemonwood) (Pittosporum eugenioides) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Pittosporaceae family, native to New Zealand (endemic). It grows 6–12 m (20–39 ft) tall and 3–5 m (10–16 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -8 °C (18 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Tarata (lemonwood) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Pittosporaceae |
| Mature height | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–5 m (10–16 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -8 °C (18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | New Zealand (endemic) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Tarata (lemonwood) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
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 Tarata (lemonwood)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Tarata (lemonwood)
- How far apart should I plant Tarata (lemonwood)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–5 m (10–16 ft).
- Does Tarata (lemonwood) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Tarata (lemonwood) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Tarata (lemonwood)?
- It tolerates about -8 °C (18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Tarata (lemonwood) flower?
- From about October for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Tarata (lemonwood) 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. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Tarata (lemonwood)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Tarata (lemonwood). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- New Zealand Plant Conservation Network: flora, NZPCN
- Flora of New Zealand and Ngā Tipu Whakaoranga (Māori plant use), Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
Notes and assumptions
- Wavy yellow-green leaves smell of lemon when crushed; honey-scented spring flowers. A fast hedge or small tree.
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
- Kōhūhū Pittosporum tenuifolium
- Native frangipani Hymenosporum flavum
- Japanese mock orange (pittosporum) Pittosporum tobira
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra
- English yew Taxus baccata
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis