Monkey puzzle (pehuén) Araucaria araucana
Monkey puzzle (pehuén) (Araucaria araucana) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Araucariaceae family, native to Andes and coastal range of south-central Chile and Argentina. It grows 15–40 m (49–131 ft) tall and 6–12 m (20–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 9 m (30 ft) apart.
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Monkey puzzle (pehuén) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Araucariaceae |
| Mature height | 15–40 m (49–131 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 9 m (30 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 | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (piñones, boiled or roasted) |
| Native to | Andes and coastal range of south-central Chile and Argentina |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Monkey puzzle (pehuén) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves
Leaves end 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 Monkey puzzle (pehuén)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Monkey puzzle (pehuén)
- How far apart should I plant Monkey puzzle (pehuén)?
- About 9 m (30 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–12 m (20–39 ft).
- Does Monkey puzzle (pehuén) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Monkey puzzle (pehuén) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Monkey puzzle (pehuén)?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- Is Monkey puzzle (pehuén) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Leaves end in sharp spines.
- What grows well with Monkey puzzle (pehuén)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Monkey puzzle (pehuén). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, IUCN
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Sacred to the Pehuenche, whose winter food is its seeds. Male and female trees; seeds after 30–40 years. Endangered in the wild.
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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- Kauri Agathis australis
- Norfolk Island pine Araucaria heterophylla
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- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra
- English yew Taxus baccata
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis