Queensland bottle tree Brachychiton rupestris
Queensland bottle tree (Brachychiton rupestris) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Malvaceae family, native to Inland south-east Queensland (Brigalow Belt). It grows 10–20 m (33–66 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -4 °C (25 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
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Queensland bottle tree at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 m (33–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -4 °C (25 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 44 °C (111 °F) |
| Flowering | about 521–782 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Inland south-east Queensland (Brigalow Belt) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇮🇱 Israel |
Is Queensland bottle tree toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: hairs inside the seed pods
The seed pods are lined with fine, stiff hairs that irritate skin and eyes: wear gloves to handle them.
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 Queensland bottle tree
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Queensland bottle tree
- How far apart should I plant Queensland bottle tree?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Queensland bottle tree need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Queensland bottle tree need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Queensland bottle tree?
- It tolerates about -4 °C (25 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Queensland bottle tree flower?
- About 521–782 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks.
- Is Queensland bottle tree poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. The seed pods are lined with fine, stiff hairs that irritate skin and eyes: wear gloves to handle them.
- What grows well with Queensland bottle tree?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Queensland bottle tree. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
Notes and assumptions
- An Australian native of poor, sandy soils: it wants sharp drainage and sun, and rots in heavy, wet ground or humid summers.
- Its trunk swells into a great bottle shape, up to 2 m across, that stores water through drought; old trees can be moved whole with a crane and replanted, so large specimens are used as living sculpture in parks. Drops some leaves in a dry spring.
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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