Macadamia Macadamia integrifolia
Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Proteaceae family, native to Coastal rainforest of south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales, Australia. It grows 6–10 m (20–33 ft) tall and 5–8 m (16–26 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan Macadamia in your garden →
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Macadamia at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Proteaceae |
| Mature height | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–8 m (16–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about February for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: kernel (nut) |
| Native to | Coastal rainforest of south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales, Australia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Macadamia toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: nuts
Macadamia nuts cause weakness, tremors and vomiting in dogs; they are safe for most people apart from nut allergy.
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 Macadamia
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Macadamia
- How far apart should I plant Macadamia?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–8 m (16–26 ft).
- Does Macadamia need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Macadamia need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Macadamia?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Macadamia flower?
- From about February for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Macadamia poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs moderately toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Macadamia nuts cause weakness, tremors and vomiting in dogs; they are safe for most people apart from nut allergy.
- What grows well with Macadamia?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Macadamia. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Young trees are frost-tender; mature trees tolerate about −3 °C. Shallow roots and brittle limbs need shelter from strong wind. Bloom timing shown for Hawaii or California (Feb–Mar); in Australia it is Aug–Sep.
- Cross-pollination between cultivars improves nut set.
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
- 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
- Common sugarbush Protea repens