1 / 2

Ceiba spp.

kapok trees

Malvaceae

Tropical America; {C. pentandra} also in tropical West Africa

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Hummingbirds Drought Tolerant

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 10–12

Overview

Ceiba spp. is a genus of about 20 species of large deciduous trees in the mallow family (Malvaceae), known as kapok or silk-cotton trees. The genus is native to the tropics of the Americas, and one species, C. pentandra, is also widespread in West Africa. Trees range from 30 ft to over 200 ft (9 to more than 60 m) tall; C. pentandra is among the tallest trees of the Neotropical rainforest, with a broad, flat-topped crown raised on a thick, buttressed trunk. Young trunks and branches of many species bear stout conical spines. The leaves are palmately compound, with five to nine leaflets radiating from a long stalk, and most species shed them in the dry season. Large cup- or bell-shaped flowers in white, pink, red, or yellow open on the bare or near-bare canopy and are visited at night by bats and moths. Woody capsules split to release seeds wrapped in a mass of buoyant, water-repellent fibre called kapok, once used to stuff life jackets and bedding. Trees grow fast but reach great size, so they suit only large open sites, and the surface roots and falling pods limit use near paving.

Native Range

The genus is native to tropical America, from Mexico and the Caribbean through Central America to tropical South America. C. pentandra also grows wild across tropical West Africa, likely spread by ocean-borne seed.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a shade and specimen tree in tropical parks, plazas, and large gardens, and as a landmark tree in parts of Central America. The fibre and light timber of C. pentandra support local industry. The spreading roots and bulk suit only spacious sites well away from buildings.

How to Identify

Look for a tall tree with a wide, often flat crown and a stout trunk that may be buttressed at the base and studded with conical spines when young. The leaves are hand-shaped, split into five to nine leaflets on a long stalk. Pendent woody pods split open to spill seeds packed in pale, cottony kapok fibre.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height30' - 230'

Width/Spread30' - 100'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Fall Winter

Most species flower in the dry season, often while the tree stands bare of leaves, from autumn into winter or early spring depending on region. A tree may bloom heavily one year and lightly the next. Flowers open toward evening and are spent within a day or two.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white, pink, red, and yellow

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 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 Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

10-20 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Trees grow in full sun in deep, well-drained soil and need a frost-free, tropical to subtropical climate. Young trees are watered through dry spells, while large established trees draw on deep roots and tolerate seasonal drought. Growth is rapid where warmth and moisture are steady. The wood is soft and somewhat brittle, so trees can shed limbs in storms. Few pests cause lasting harm in the tropics. Seedlings transplant most readily while small, as older trees are set back by root disturbance.

Pruning

Young trees are shaped in the dry season to build a strong central trunk and high branches. Mature trees need little pruning beyond clearing dead or broken wood. Cuts are kept small, as large wounds in the soft wood decay readily.