Chinaberry
Melia azedarach
Also listed as Azedara speciosa, Azedarach deleteria
Also known as Umbrella Tree, Bead Tree, China Tree
Climate Match for your location
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A fast-growing deciduous tree with fragrant lavender flowers and yellow berries that mature to black. It thrives in warm climates and tolerates drought and poor soil conditions.
Why grow it
Chinaberry establishes quickly in hot, dry regions where many ornamental trees struggle, making it useful for rapid canopy development in arid climates with poor or compacted soils. Its drought tolerance and low fertility requirements compare favorably to slower-establishing native alternatives in appropriate zones, though its deciduous habit means it provides no winter screening. The fragrant flowers and berry production attract wildlife, which can be an asset in permaculture systems designed for food or habitat provisioning.
Watch out for
The tree seeds prolifically and self-establishes readily from bird-dispersed fruit, requiring management if you want to prevent volunteer seedlings in adjacent garden beds or landscape areas. Roots can be aggressive in confined spaces such as near foundations, hardscape, or irrigation lines. In regions outside its preferred warm climates, the tree may experience winter dieback or fail to mature fruit, limiting its utility.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Meliaceae
Native Range
Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia
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
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A fast-growing deciduous tree with fragrant lavender flowers and yellow berries that mature to black. It thrives in warm climates and tolerates drought and poor soil conditions.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Chinaberry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Chinaberry establishes quickly in hot, dry regions where many ornamental trees struggle, making it useful for rapid canopy development in arid climates with poor or compacted soils. Its drought tolerance and low fertility requirements compare favorably to slower-establishing native alternatives in appropriate zones, though its deciduous habit means it provides no winter screening. The fragrant flowers and berry production attract wildlife, which can be an asset in permaculture systems designed for food or habitat provisioning.
Watch out for
The tree seeds prolifically and self-establishes readily from bird-dispersed fruit, requiring management if you want to prevent volunteer seedlings in adjacent garden beds or landscape areas. Roots can be aggressive in confined spaces such as near foundations, hardscape, or irrigation lines. In regions outside its preferred warm climates, the tree may experience winter dieback or fail to mature fruit, limiting its utility.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Meliaceae
Native Range
Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia
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
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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