African Tulip Tree
Spathodea campanulata
Also known as Flame of the Forest, African Flame Tree, Nandi Flame
Climate Match for your location
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A tall, tropical tree valued for its dramatic orange-red campanulate flowers that bloom in winter to spring. It grows quickly and makes a striking accent specimen in warm climates.
Why grow it
African tulip tree produces larger, more densely clustered flowers than many tropical flowering trees, making it useful where dramatic winter-season color is desired in USDA zones 10-11. It grows faster than comparable specimen trees like flame of the forest, reaching flowering size within 5-7 years under favorable conditions, and tolerates a wider range of soil types than some tropical species.
Watch out for
The tree produces copious quantities of fine, wind-dispersed seeds that can germinate readily in disturbed areas nearby. Its shallow root system may compete with nearby plantings or damage shallow utility lines, so placement should account for mature spread (40-50 feet). Flower buds and seedpods can create litter in manicured landscapes.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Bignoniaceae
Native Range
West tropical Africa
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A tall, tropical tree valued for its dramatic orange-red campanulate flowers that bloom in winter to spring. It grows quickly and makes a striking accent specimen in warm climates.
Climate Match for your location
See how well African Tulip Tree grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
African tulip tree produces larger, more densely clustered flowers than many tropical flowering trees, making it useful where dramatic winter-season color is desired in USDA zones 10-11. It grows faster than comparable specimen trees like flame of the forest, reaching flowering size within 5-7 years under favorable conditions, and tolerates a wider range of soil types than some tropical species.
Watch out for
The tree produces copious quantities of fine, wind-dispersed seeds that can germinate readily in disturbed areas nearby. Its shallow root system may compete with nearby plantings or damage shallow utility lines, so placement should account for mature spread (40-50 feet). Flower buds and seedpods can create litter in manicured landscapes.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Bignoniaceae
Native Range
West tropical Africa
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
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