This widely grown small tree or large shrub is regularly used as a hedge or screen. Related to the oleander, but with long, narrow leaves and yellow trumpet-shaped flowers. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Cascabela thevetia has no HPWRA (Hawai‘i Pacific Weed Risk Assessment) score.

Native Range: Mexico and Central America

Horticultural use: Screen

Ethnobotanical Info / Tree Use: All parts of this tree are extremely toxic, and can cause cardiac arrest and electrolyte abnormalities. Consumption of the seeds is a common method of self-harm in India and Southeast Asia. Native to Mexico, but introduced as an ornamental to Asia and the Pacific. (Anandhi et al., 2019)

Tree Shape: Rounded
Foliage Type: Evergreen
Maximum Tree Height: 25 feet
Canopy Width: 10-15feet
Growth Rate: ~36in/year
Leaf Arrangement and Form: Alternate and Simple
Leaf Shape: Linear
Leaf Color: Dark Green
Fall Color: No
Flowers: Showy, Fragrant
Flower Color: Orange or Yellow
Flower Time: Fall, Winter or Summer
Fruit Size and Color: Medium Brown Drupe
Fruiting Time: Fall or Spring
Fruit Value: Wildlife use it
Bark Color: Dark Gray or Light Gray
Bark Texture: Rough
Litter Type: Dry Fruit

Recommended Planting Area: 4′ to 7′
Water Use Rating: Low
Sunset Climate Zone: 13, 21 – 24, H1 and H2
Soil Texture: Loam or Sand
Soil pH: Neutral to Slightly Alkaline
Salt Tolerance: High
Schoolyard Trees: No
Shade Tolerance: No

Branch Strength: Medium
Root Damage Potential: Low
Potential health issues: Irritant and Poisonous
Wildlife Interactions: Attracts
Utility Friendly: No