A world-renowned flowering tree from the seasonally dry tropics of South America. This species famously covers Pretoria, South Africa (also known as Jacaranda City), where it has now become illegal to buy or sell a jacaranda, because of the tree s potential to become an invasive weed. In Hawai‘i, this species is also naturalized in a number of areas. In California, where it is much drier, jacaranda rarely reproduces on its own. The leaves fall in spring and return in summer as the flowers fade. Jacaranda mimosifolia has a HPWRA (Hawai‘i Pacific Weed Risk Assessment) score of 1 (Evaluate).

Native Range: Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia

Horticultural use: Specimen or Street Tree

Ethnobotanical Info / Tree Use: This stunning tree is native to Argentina and Bolivia, but is now cultivated throughout the tropical world for its dramatic seasonal display of purple flowers. Used in South American traditional medicine to treat cold symptoms, rheumatism, wounds, and venereal disease. The beauty of the Jacaranda tree has inspired a variety of contemporary non-traditional myths and stories across its non-native distribution. (Gachet & Schühly, 2009) Citations Page

Schoolyard Use: This tree has delicate, fern-like leaves that provide a great opportunity to discuss compound leaf structures. Its vibrant, tubular flowers bloom in clusters, adding a splash of color to lessons on pollination and plant reproduction. The tree’s seed pods are woody and can be used to explore seed dispersal methods. Its seasonal flowering cycle can also serve as a practical example of phenology in urban environments.

Tree Shape: Rounded
Foliage Type: Partly Deciduous
Maximum Tree Height: 50 feet
Canopy Width: 15-30feet
Growth Rate: ~36in/year
Leaf Arrangement and Form: Opposite and Bipinnately Compound
Leaf Shape: Linear
Leaf Color: Light Green
Fall Color: No
Flowers: Showy, Fragrant
Flower Color: Purple
Flower Time: Spring or Summer
Fruit Size and Color: Large Light Brown Capsule
Fruiting Time: Fall
Bark Color: Light Brown to Light Gray
Bark Texture: Blocky and Scaly
Litter Type: Dry Fruit, Leaves and Flowers

Recommended Planting Area: 4′ to 7′
Water Use Rating: Medium
Sunset Climate Zone: 12 – 13, 15 – 24, H1 and H2
Soil Texture: Loam or Sand
Soil pH: Slightly Acidic to Neutral
Salt Tolerance: Low
Schoolyard Trees: Yes
Shade Tolerance: No

Biogenic Emissions: Low
Wildlife Interactions: Attracts Birds
Disease and Pest Susceptibility: Phytophthora, Root Rot, Invasive Shot Hole Borer and Aphids
Disease and Pest Resistance: Oak Root Fungus