Accession Count: 20
Common Name:
jacaranda
Family Name:
Bignoniaceae
Botanical Name:
Jacaranda mimosifolia
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Jacaranda mimosifolia is a deciduous tree, which is feathery and lush in appearance. This tree tends to have an upright growth habit, with an open, spreading crown. The tree can be either single or multi-trunked depending on pruning, and may reach 30 to 50 feet in height and 30 feet in width. The leaves are light green, bipinnate, alternately arranged, and can get up to 12 inches long. Each leaf has 12 or more pinnate, oblong leaflets which are half of an inch long. In late spring or early summer, the jacaranda produces profusion of blueish-purple or white tubular flowers. In warmer weather, it blooms more abundantly, and for a longer period of time than in cold weather. For a short period in the winter or spring, this tree drops its leaves. After blooming, in the summer or fall, the tree develops a pod which is hard, circular, dark brown, and two inches in diameter (1).
Compound:
Jac mim
Geographic Origin:
Brazil
Ecozone Origin:
Neotropic
Biome Origin:
SA
Natural History:
Although native to South America, J. mimosifolia has been distributed worldwide due to its beautiful flowers (2).
Cultivation Notes:
J. mimosifolia is best suited to the mini-oasis xeriscape zone. This tree grows best in fully sunny locations, although direct western sunlight should be avoided, as the trunk is susceptible to sunscald (1). The tree is tolerant of many different types of soils, although well-drained soil is best for development (1). It is cold sensitive, withstanding temperatures down to 27°F, and can be damaged during Tucson winters. In order to have optimal branch development, and for a single trunk growth habit, it is recommended to prune and stake young trees (3). It is also advisable to prune older jacaranda trees, especially those that function as street trees.
Ethnobotany:
J. mimosifolia is used extensively as a landscape ornamental, especially in warm and coastal regions. Known for its showy purple flowers and lush foliage, this tree is an aesthetic centerpiece of many landscapes.
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
20 - 50 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
ForeSummer
Color:
Lavender
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
