Yellow flame tree (copperpod, non si) Peltophorum pterocarpum
Yellow flame tree (copperpod, non si) (Peltophorum pterocarpum) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Tropical Southeast Asia to northern Australia. It grows 12–24 m (39–79 ft) tall and 10–15 m (33–49 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 3 °C (37 °F). Space plants about 12 m (39 ft) apart.
Plan Yellow flame tree (copperpod, non si) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Yellow flame tree (copperpod, non si) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 12–24 m (39–79 ft) |
| Mature spread | 10–15 m (33–49 ft) |
| Spacing | 12 m (39 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About 3 °C (37 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Tropical Southeast Asia to northern Australia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇮🇳 India |
Is Yellow flame tree (copperpod, non si) 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 Yellow flame tree (copperpod, non si)
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 Yellow flame tree (copperpod, non si)
- How far apart should I plant Yellow flame tree (copperpod, non si)?
- About 12 m (39 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–15 m (33–49 ft).
- Does Yellow flame tree (copperpod, non si) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Yellow flame tree (copperpod, non si) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Yellow flame tree (copperpod, non si)?
- It tolerates about 3 °C (37 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Yellow flame tree (copperpod, non si) flower?
- From about March for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Yellow flame tree (copperpod, non si) 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 Yellow flame tree (copperpod, non si)?
- "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
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical: needs warm nights all year; in a frosty climate grow it under glass or as a summer container plant.
- A wide, fine-leaved shade and street tree; upright plumes of crinkled, grape-scented yellow flowers, then flat copper-red pods. Branches can break in storms.
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