Weeping boer-bean (huilboerboon) Schotia brachypetala
Weeping boer-bean (huilboerboon) (Schotia brachypetala) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Eastern South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It grows 8–16 m (26–52 ft) tall and 8–14 m (26–46 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 10 m (33 ft) apart.
Plan Weeping boer-bean (huilboerboon) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Weeping boer-bean (huilboerboon) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 8–16 m (26–52 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–14 m (26–46 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 | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Mozambique |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Weeping boer-bean (huilboerboon) toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Roasted seeds were eaten in the past; no reliable toxicity data, so treat seeds with caution.
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 Weeping boer-bean (huilboerboon)
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 Weeping boer-bean (huilboerboon)
- How far apart should I plant Weeping boer-bean (huilboerboon)?
- About 10 m (33 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–14 m (26–46 ft).
- Does Weeping boer-bean (huilboerboon) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Weeping boer-bean (huilboerboon) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Weeping boer-bean (huilboerboon)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Weeping boer-bean (huilboerboon) flower?
- From about March for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Weeping boer-bean (huilboerboon) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. Roasted seeds were eaten in the past; no reliable toxicity data, so treat seeds with caution.
- What grows well with Weeping boer-bean (huilboerboon)?
- "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
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: gardens and collections, South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
Notes and assumptions
- In spring dense clusters of dark red flowers form on the bare wood, so full of nectar that it drips ("weeping") and draws sunbirds, bees and monkeys. Briefly drops its leaves before flowering; new leaves flush coppery red.
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