Brachychiton populneus

Bottle Tree

Tree

This large evergreen tree is a moderate to fast grower, reaching a height of 20 feet in five or six years. May completely shed leaves just before blooming but will quickly refoliate afterward.

Temperature

Young trees are killed and foliage on older trees damaged at around 18F. Constant exposure to freezing temperatures will kill the tree.

Water requirements

Occasional deep waterings of root zone, though it will tolerate lawns with moderate to ample water.

Sun

Full to reflected sun; it revels in the heat.

Soil

Tolerant but needs good drainage. May yellow in alkaline soils.

Maintenance

Little to none. Root systems are fragile so handle with care when planting.

Disadvantages

Susceptible to Texas root rot and iron chlorosis. Fuzz inside seed pods is prickly and can be irritating to skin.

Bloom

Clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers are dusted pink and appear in May or June.

Fruit or Seeds

Seedpods are shaped like boats and form in clusters after flowers fade.

Uses

This tall vertical tree does not provide good shade, but is an excellent skyline or street tree. Can also be used as a specimen tree or sapling grove. Row plantings make an attractive and effective screen or background. Does well where space is limited, but can heave sidewalks or paving. Can serve as a windbreak.

Origin

A native of Australia. A member of the Sterculiaceae family.

Themes

Woodsy, Informal, Formal.

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