Neem Azadirachta indica
Neem (Azadirachta indica) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Meliaceae family, native to Indian subcontinent and Myanmar. It grows 12–20 m (39–66 ft) tall and 10–15 m (33–49 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 10 m (33 ft) apart.
Plan Neem in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Neem at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Mature height | 12–20 m (39–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 10–15 m (33–49 ft) |
| Spacing | 10 m (33 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 46 °C (115 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: young leaves and flowers (bitter, small amounts) |
| Native to | Indian subcontinent and Myanmar |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇪🇬 Egypt |
| Invasive in | Australia (northern): check local rules before planting |
Is Neem toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: seed oil
Neem oil swallowed by young children has caused serious poisoning; leaves are used in small amounts as food in India.
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 Neem
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Neem
- How far apart should I plant Neem?
- About 10 m (33 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–15 m (33–49 ft).
- Does Neem need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Neem need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Neem?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Neem flower?
- From about March for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Neem poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people moderately toxic. Neem oil swallowed by young children has caused serious poisoning; leaves are used in small amounts as food in India.
- What grows well with Neem?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Neem. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- India Biodiversity Portal (species pages), India Biodiversity Portal
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Drought- and heat-hardy shade tree of Indian villages; frost-tender.
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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