Wild almond Brabejum stellatifolium
Wild almond (Brabejum stellatifolium) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Proteaceae family, native to SW Cape streambanks. It grows 5–8 m (16–26 ft) tall and 5–8 m (16–26 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
Plan Wild almond in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Wild almond at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Proteaceae |
| Mature height | 5–8 m (16–26 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–8 m (16–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about November 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 | SW Cape streambanks |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Wild almond toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: nuts (raw)
Raw nuts contain cyanogenic glycosides; poisonous unless leached and roasted.
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 Wild almond
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Wild almond in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Kirstenbosch (4 plants)
Questions about Wild almond
- How far apart should I plant Wild almond?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–8 m (16–26 ft).
- Does Wild almond need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Wild almond need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Wild almond?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Wild almond flower?
- From about November for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Wild almond poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people severely toxic. Raw nuts contain cyanogenic glycosides; poisonous unless leached and roasted.
- What grows well with Wild almond?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Wild almond. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: gardens and collections, South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
Notes and assumptions
- The only African member of its subfamily; whorled leaves. Remnants of the hedge Jan van Riebeeck planted in 1660 to mark the Dutch settlement's boundary still grow at Kirstenbosch.
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
- Macadamia Macadamia integrifolia
- King protea Protea cynaroides
- Pincushion protea Leucospermum cordifolium
- Rosemary grevillea Grevillea rosmarinifolia
- Coast banksia Banksia integrifolia
- Waratah Telopea speciosissima
- Silver tree (witteboom) Leucadendron argenteum
- Oleander-leaf protea Protea neriifolia