Peumo (Chilean acorn tree) Cryptocarya alba
Peumo (Chilean acorn tree) (Cryptocarya alba) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Lauraceae family, native to Central Chile, along streams and on shady slopes of the matorral. It grows 8–15 m (26–49 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -6 °C (21 °F). Space plants about 7 m (23 ft) apart.
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Peumo (Chilean acorn tree) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Mature height | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 7 m (23 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -6 °C (21 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 417–626 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: fruit pulp (cooked, traditionally) |
| Native to | Central Chile, along streams and on shady slopes of the matorral |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇱 Chile |
Is Peumo (Chilean acorn tree) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
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 Peumo (Chilean acorn tree)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Avocado: Laurel wilt (Raffaelea lauricola), carried by redbay ambrosia beetles, kills avocado and wild laurels such as redbay and sassafras in the south-eastern US. Evidence B
Questions about Peumo (Chilean acorn tree)
- How far apart should I plant Peumo (Chilean acorn tree)?
- About 7 m (23 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Peumo (Chilean acorn tree) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Peumo (Chilean acorn tree) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Peumo (Chilean acorn tree)?
- It tolerates about -6 °C (21 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Peumo (Chilean acorn tree) flower?
- About 417–626 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Peumo (Chilean acorn tree) 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. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Peumo (Chilean acorn tree)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Peumo (Chilean acorn tree). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- A dense evergreen of the Chilean matorral with aromatic, cinnamon-scented leaves and pink-red oval fruits eaten by the Mapuche and settlers after cooking. Grows along streams and on shaded slopes of the coastal ranges.
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
- Bay laurel Laurus nobilis
- Avocado Persea americana
- Camphor tree Cinnamomum camphora
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- Ceylon cinnamon Cinnamomum verum
- Cassia (Chinese cinnamon) Cinnamomum cassia
- Sassafras Sassafras albidum
- California bay (Oregon myrtle) Umbellularia californica