Monkey Puzzle Tree
Araucaria araucana
Also listed as Araucaria imbricata, Abies araucana
Also known as Monkey-puzzle, Chile Pine, Chilean Pine
Climate Match for your location
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A striking evergreen conifer with a narrow pyramidal form and distinctive, sharp, scale-like foliage arranged in whorls along stout branches. Native to the Andes Mountains, it is prized as a specimen tree for its unusual, architectural appearance and dramatic silhouette.
Why grow it
Monkey Puzzle Tree offers a distinctive architectural form uncommon among conifers suited to temperate climates, making it valuable for specimen plantings where year-round sculptural interest is desired. Unlike many evergreens that blend into landscape backgrounds, its whorled branch structure and geometric foliage create strong visual contrast. It grows slowly and maintains a compact footprint relative to other large conifers, suiting properties with limited space for mature trees.
Watch out for
Monkey Puzzle Trees require well-draining soil and struggle in waterlogged conditions, particularly in humid lowland areas where root rot can develop. They grow slowly and need patience before reaching their full architectural impact, often taking decades to establish a substantial form. Young trees benefit from protection during their first few winters in cooler climates, as they can be sensitive to hard frosts before becoming fully hardy.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Araucariaceae
Native Range
Andes Mountains (Chile and Argentina)
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A striking evergreen conifer with a narrow pyramidal form and distinctive, sharp, scale-like foliage arranged in whorls along stout branches. Native to the Andes Mountains, it is prized as a specimen tree for its unusual, architectural appearance and dramatic silhouette.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Monkey Puzzle Tree grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Monkey Puzzle Tree offers a distinctive architectural form uncommon among conifers suited to temperate climates, making it valuable for specimen plantings where year-round sculptural interest is desired. Unlike many evergreens that blend into landscape backgrounds, its whorled branch structure and geometric foliage create strong visual contrast. It grows slowly and maintains a compact footprint relative to other large conifers, suiting properties with limited space for mature trees.
Watch out for
Monkey Puzzle Trees require well-draining soil and struggle in waterlogged conditions, particularly in humid lowland areas where root rot can develop. They grow slowly and need patience before reaching their full architectural impact, often taking decades to establish a substantial form. Young trees benefit from protection during their first few winters in cooler climates, as they can be sensitive to hard frosts before becoming fully hardy.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Araucariaceae
Native Range
Andes Mountains (Chile and Argentina)
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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