Ombú Phytolacca dioica
Ombú (Phytolacca dioica) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Phytolaccaceae family, native to The Pampas of Argentina and Uruguay. It grows 10–18 m (33–59 ft) tall and 12–20 m (39–66 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -5 °C (23 °F). Space plants about 15 m (49 ft) apart.
Plan Ombú in your garden →
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Ombú at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Phytolaccaceae |
| Mature height | 10–18 m (33–59 ft) |
| Mature spread | 12–20 m (39–66 ft) |
| Spacing | 15 m (49 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 | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -5 °C (23 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | The Pampas of Argentina and Uruguay |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇮🇹 Italy |
Is Ombú toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: leaves, berries, sap
Pokeweed family: saponins and phytolaccatoxin; purgative and dangerous.
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 Ombú
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Ombú
- How far apart should I plant Ombú?
- About 15 m (49 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 12–20 m (39–66 ft).
- Does Ombú need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Ombú need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Ombú?
- It tolerates about -5 °C (23 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Ombú flower?
- From about October for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Ombú poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people severely toxic. Pokeweed family: saponins and phytolaccatoxin; purgative and dangerous.
- What grows well with Ombú?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Ombú. 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).
- Flora Argentina, IBODA-CONICET
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Botanically a giant herb with soft, fire-resistant wood and a massive buttressed base: the lone shade tree of the pampas. Planted in Seville and Lisbon parks.
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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- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
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- English yew Taxus baccata
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- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata
- Saucer magnolia Magnolia x soulangeana
- Silver birch Betula pendula