Brachychiton populneus
kurrajong
Overview
Brachychiton populneus is an evergreen tree growing 8-20 m (26-66 ft) tall and 5-12 m (16-39 ft) wide, native to eastern Australia. It carries a dense, rounded to conical crown on a stout trunk that can swell at the base to store water in dry country. The glossy green leaves are variable, from simple poplar-like ovals to deeply three- to five-lobed, 4-12 cm (1.6-4.7 in) long, on slender stalks that tremble in wind. In summer the tree bears many bell-shaped cream flowers about 1.5 cm (0.6 in) wide, greenish outside and spotted red-brown to purple inside, in loose clusters. These are followed by woody, boat-shaped follicles 5-7 cm (2-2.8 in) long that blacken and split to reveal yellow seeds surrounded by short, stiff, irritant hairs. The tree withstands drought, heat, wind, and poor soils once established and casts dense shade. It can drop the woody pods and seeds as litter, and the hairs around the seeds irritate skin and eyes. Light frost is tolerated by mature trees, but young plants are damaged by hard freezes.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales into Victoria, growing in dry forest, woodland, and on rocky hills, often in semi-arid country where its swollen trunk stores moisture.Suggested Uses
Used as a shade, street, and specimen tree in parks, large gardens, and dry rural sites, and as fodder and shelter in farming country. The seeds feed cockatoos and other birds. Planted clear of structures with room for the spreading crown.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height26'3" - 65'7"
Width/Spread16'5" - 39'4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Bell-shaped cream flowers, spotted within, open in summer, roughly November to February, in loose clusters among the foliage. Flowering can be heavier in some years than others. Woody pods follow and ripen through autumn, splitting to release the seeds.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream, spotted red-brown withinFoliage Description
glossy greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 8-12 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in full sun on well-drained loam, clay, sandy, or rocky soil, including dry and poor ground. Water young trees through their first summers to establish, then taper off, as the species is strongly drought-tolerant once the deep roots and trunk reserves develop. Leave room for the wide crown and stout trunk well clear of buildings and paving. The short hairs around the seeds irritate skin and eyes, which is relevant where pods drop over paths. Mature trees withstand light frost, heat, and wind. Little feeding or routine care is needed once established.Pruning
Formative pruning while young can establish a clear trunk and balanced crown. Mature trees need little pruning beyond removal of dead or crossing limbs in the warmer months. The species reshoots strongly, so hard cuts are followed by vigorous regrowth.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer