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Brachychiton acerifolius

flame tree

Malvaceae Eastern Australia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Brachychiton acerifolius, the Illawarra flame tree, is a deciduous tree growing 10-35 m (33-115 ft) tall with a stout, often green-barked trunk and a broad, pyramidal to spreading crown. The glossy green leaves vary on the same tree, from broad and entire to deeply five- to seven-lobed and maple-like, the source of the name acerifolius. Before or during flowering the tree sheds most of its leaves, then covers its bare branches with masses of scarlet, bell-shaped flowers 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) long in late spring and early summer. Flowering is erratic and varies from year to year, often heaviest after a dry season, and a tree may flower on only part of its canopy. Dark, woody, boat-shaped fruit follow, lined inside with yellow hairs that surround the seeds and irritate skin on contact. It grows in subtropical and dry rainforest in eastern Australia. The tree is frost-tender when young and slow to reach flowering size from seed.

Native Range

Native to eastern Australia, from the Illawarra region of New South Wales north through Queensland. It grows in subtropical and dry rainforest and along forest margins.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a flowering shade and feature tree in parks, large gardens, and streets in warm climates. Used in subtropical and rainforest-style plantings and for seasonal red colour. Suited to large open spaces where leaf and pod litter is not a concern.

How to Identify

Identified by glossy green leaves that range from entire to deeply lobed and maple-like on the same tree, and by masses of scarlet bell-shaped flowers on bare branches in early summer. The green-barked trunk and boat-shaped woody fruit lined with irritant yellow hairs are further marks. The leaf variability and red flowering separate it from related Brachychiton spp. species.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height32'10" - 114'10"

Width/Spread19'8" - 49'2"

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~5 weeks

Spring Summer

Scarlet bell-shaped flowers cover the bare branches in late spring and early summer, mainly November to January. Flowering is irregular between years and may appear on only part of the crown. The nectar-rich flowers draw birds and insects before the woody fruit form.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

glossy green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-20 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun in deep, free-draining soil in warm, frost-free or near frost-free districts. Young trees grow slowly and need shelter from frost and drying wind, while established trees tolerate drought and heat. Flowering is heaviest after a dry spell and in open, sunny positions. The tree drops its leaves around flowering, so it produces leaf litter and bare-branch periods. The yellow hairs lining the fruit irritate skin, eyes, and airways when the pods are handled. Deep, infrequent watering suits young trees during establishment.

Pruning

Young trees are pruned to a single leader and a balanced framework while small. Established trees need little pruning beyond removing dead or crossing branches. Pruning is done in the warmer months once flowering has finished.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to humans

1 / 14

Brachychiton acerifolius

flame tree

Malvaceae Eastern Australia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Native Range

Native to eastern Australia, from the Illawarra region of New South Wales north through Queensland. It grows in subtropical and dry rainforest and along forest margins.