Neem
Azadirachta indica
Also listed as Melia azadirachta, Antelaea azadirachta
Also known as Neem Tree, Nim, Indian Lilac
Climate Match for your location
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Neem is a fast-growing tropical tree prized for its medicinal and pesticidal properties, with feathery compound leaves and small white flowers followed by olive-like fruits. It is drought-tolerant and commonly used in traditional medicine and organic farming.
Why grow it
Neem offers multiple utility functions uncommon in a single tree: simultaneous production of insecticidal compounds (azadirachtin) useful for organic pest management, traditional medicinal applications, and reliable performance in hot, dry climates where many fruit and timber species struggle. Compared to species-specific pest controls, neem's broad-spectrum activity reduces the need for multiple applications, though efficacy varies with pest species and environmental conditions.
Watch out for
Neem establishment can be slow in the first 2-3 years despite its eventual fast growth rate, requiring consistent moisture and protection from competition during the juvenile phase. Oil extracts used for pest control may phytotoxically damage sensitive ornamentals or certain crop varieties if application rates or timing are not carefully matched to the target species, and effectiveness declines rapidly under heavy rainfall or high UV exposure.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Meliaceae
Native Range
Indian subcontinent
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Most neem grown is the species type; unnamed seed-propagated trees are standard. Cultivars selected for oil yield and pest-control potency are maintained locally in India and Africa but are rarely named or commercially distributed outside their regions.
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Neem is a fast-growing tropical tree prized for its medicinal and pesticidal properties, with feathery compound leaves and small white flowers followed by olive-like fruits. It is drought-tolerant and commonly used in traditional medicine and organic farming.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Neem grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Neem offers multiple utility functions uncommon in a single tree: simultaneous production of insecticidal compounds (azadirachtin) useful for organic pest management, traditional medicinal applications, and reliable performance in hot, dry climates where many fruit and timber species struggle. Compared to species-specific pest controls, neem's broad-spectrum activity reduces the need for multiple applications, though efficacy varies with pest species and environmental conditions.
Watch out for
Neem establishment can be slow in the first 2-3 years despite its eventual fast growth rate, requiring consistent moisture and protection from competition during the juvenile phase. Oil extracts used for pest control may phytotoxically damage sensitive ornamentals or certain crop varieties if application rates or timing are not carefully matched to the target species, and effectiveness declines rapidly under heavy rainfall or high UV exposure.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Meliaceae
Native Range
Indian subcontinent
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Most neem grown is the species type; unnamed seed-propagated trees are standard. Cultivars selected for oil yield and pest-control potency are maintained locally in India and Africa but are rarely named or commercially distributed outside their regions.