Dracaena draco is an evergreen succulent tree with a swollen, upright trunk and dense, flat canopy, giving it a unique appearance. Its gray, scaly bark bleeds a deep crimson sap when damaged. This tree features blue-green, sword-shaped leaves in rosettes, and greenish-white flowers on long inflorescences. Although slow-growing, it can develop an impressive size with time. A popular ornamental and houseplant, this species is hardy against drought, extreme heat, and coastal conditions. Excessive soil moisture can lead to rotting in its roots. It is listed as “Vulnerable” in its native habitat by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Native Range: Canary Islands, Cape Verde, and Morocco

Horticultural use: Screen

Ethnobotanical Info / Tree Use: The resin of Dragon Tree is used in traditional medicine to treat wounds, diarrhea, ulcerations, and eczema. Its vibrant red sap makes an attractive varnish for wood, most commonly used on violins. 

Tree Shape: Sword Palm
Foliage Type: Evergreen
Maximum Tree Height: 30 feet
Canopy Width: 6-25feet
Growth Rate: ~12in/year
Leaf Arrangement and Form: Alternate and Simple
Leaf Shape: Linear
Leaf Color: Bluish Green or Gray Green
Fall Color: No
Flowers: Showy, Fragrant
Flower Color: Chartreuse or White
Flower Time: Summer
Fruit Size and Color: Small Orange, Red Berry
Fruit Value: Wildlife use it
Bark Color: Dark Gray or Light Gray
Bark Texture: Furrowed and Scaly
Litter Type: Wet Fruit

Recommended Planting Area: 2′ to 4′
Water Use Rating: Low
Sunset Climate Zone: 16 – 17 and 21 – 24
Soil Texture: Loam
Soil pH: Very Acidic to Slightly Alkaline
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Schoolyard Trees: No
Shade Tolerance: Yes

Branch Strength: Medium
Root Damage Potential: Low
Potential health issues: None Known
Wildlife Interactions: Attracts Birds
Disease and Pest Susceptibility: Leaf Spot, Mealybugs and Spider Mites
Disease and Pest Resistance: Texas Root Rot
Utility Friendly: No