Purple orchid tree (butterfly tree, Bauhinia purpurea) Bauhinia purpurea
Purple orchid tree (butterfly tree, Bauhinia purpurea) (Bauhinia purpurea) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Indian subcontinent to southern China and Indochina. It grows 5–10 m (16–33 ft) tall and 5–8 m (16–26 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
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Purple orchid tree (butterfly tree, Bauhinia purpurea) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 5–10 m (16–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–8 m (16–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 6–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: flower buds and young leaves (cooked; Indian and Nepali kitchens) |
| Native to | Indian subcontinent to southern China and Indochina |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇨🇳 China, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Purple orchid tree (butterfly tree, Bauhinia purpurea) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not reported as 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 Purple orchid tree (butterfly tree, Bauhinia purpurea)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Purple orchid tree (butterfly tree, Bauhinia purpurea)
- How far apart should I plant Purple orchid tree (butterfly tree, Bauhinia purpurea)?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–8 m (16–26 ft).
- Does Purple orchid tree (butterfly tree, Bauhinia purpurea) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Purple orchid tree (butterfly tree, Bauhinia purpurea) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Purple orchid tree (butterfly tree, Bauhinia purpurea)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Purple orchid tree (butterfly tree, Bauhinia purpurea) flower?
- From about October for 6–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Purple orchid tree (butterfly tree, Bauhinia purpurea) 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 reported as poisonous.
- What grows well with Purple orchid tree (butterfly tree, Bauhinia purpurea)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- eFlora of India, eFlora of India / Botanical Survey of India contributors
Notes and assumptions
- Camel-hoof leaves split into two lobes; narrow-petalled purple-pink flowers in autumn, before the leaves thin (B. variegata flowers in spring on bare wood and has broader petals). Seeds itself freely in warm climates; pull unwanted seedlings.
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
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis