Blue Jacaranda
Jacaranda mimosifolia
Also listed as Jacaranda ovalifolia, Jacaranda chelonia
Also known as Fern Tree
Climate Match for your location
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A tropical to subtropical tree prized for its showy clusters of lavender-blue flowers that appear in late spring and early summer. It grows quickly and makes an excellent shade tree in warm climates.
Why grow it
Blue jacaranda offers reliable ornamental value through its abundant lavender-blue flower clusters, which distinguish it from many other tropical shade trees that prioritize foliage over blooms. It reaches moderate size quickly (30-50 feet) and tolerates a range of warm-climate soils, making it a practical choice where fast-growing shade is needed in USDA zones 9b-11. Compared to slower-maturing native shade species, it fills the canopy role faster, though this rapid growth requires regular pruning to maintain form.
Watch out for
The tree produces abundant seedpods and self-seeds readily in suitable climates, which may require management if volunteer seedlings become problematic on your property. Branches can be brittle and prone to storm damage, particularly in young trees, so stake and prune for structural strength early in establishment. Heavy flowering is inconsistent in marginal climates and may require consistent warm winters to develop properly.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Bignoniaceae
Native Range
South America (Argentina, Brazil)
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 tropical to subtropical tree prized for its showy clusters of lavender-blue flowers that appear in late spring and early summer. It grows quickly and makes an excellent shade tree in warm climates.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Blue Jacaranda grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Blue jacaranda offers reliable ornamental value through its abundant lavender-blue flower clusters, which distinguish it from many other tropical shade trees that prioritize foliage over blooms. It reaches moderate size quickly (30-50 feet) and tolerates a range of warm-climate soils, making it a practical choice where fast-growing shade is needed in USDA zones 9b-11. Compared to slower-maturing native shade species, it fills the canopy role faster, though this rapid growth requires regular pruning to maintain form.
Watch out for
The tree produces abundant seedpods and self-seeds readily in suitable climates, which may require management if volunteer seedlings become problematic on your property. Branches can be brittle and prone to storm damage, particularly in young trees, so stake and prune for structural strength early in establishment. Heavy flowering is inconsistent in marginal climates and may require consistent warm winters to develop properly.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Bignoniaceae
Native Range
South America (Argentina, Brazil)
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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