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Dendrocnide excelsa

giant stinging tree

Urticaceae Eastern Australia

Attracts Pollinators

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 10–12

Overview

Dendrocnide excelsa is a large evergreen tree in the Urticaceae reaching 100-130 feet (30-40 m) tall in rainforest, with a broad buttressed trunk and a spreading crown. Saplings carry larger leaves than mature trees. Leaves are broad and heart-shaped to oval, 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) long, with toothed margins and a covering of stinging hairs on both surfaces and the stalks. Contact with the hairs injects toxins that cause intense, long-lasting pain, swelling, and skin reactions that can persist for weeks. Small greenish flowers are borne in branched clusters, followed by fleshy, mulberry-like aggregations on swollen pink to purplish stalks that are also covered in stinging hairs. Growth is fast in gaps and along rainforest margins, where light reaches the ground. Mature trees develop large plank buttresses. All parts carry stinging hairs, including fallen leaves, which remain irritant after dropping.

Native Range

Native to eastern Australia, from south-eastern Queensland through New South Wales. Grows in subtropical and warm-temperate rainforest, especially in clearings, along margins, and on disturbed ground from the lowlands to the ranges.

Suggested Uses

Occurs in rainforest and is rarely planted, as the stinging hairs make it hazardous in gardens and public spaces. Retained in conservation and rainforest regeneration, where its fast growth helps fill canopy gaps. In managed areas it is removed from near paths, play areas, and stock routes because of the severe stings.

How to Identify

Recognised by large heart-shaped to oval toothed leaves 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) long covered in stinging hairs, and mulberry-like fruit clusters on swollen pink stalks. The stinging hairs on leaves, stalks, and fruit, together with the buttressed trunk, separate it from harmless rainforest trees with similar leaves. Saplings carry the largest leaves.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height100' - 130'

Width/Spread40' - 70'

Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years

Colors

Flower Colors

green

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Spring Summer

Small greenish flowers appear in branched clusters mainly in spring and summer. The flowers are followed by fleshy, mulberry-like fruit aggregations on swollen pink to purplish stalks. Fruit ripens through summer and autumn and is eaten by some rainforest birds.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 3-8 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 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

20-40 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in part shade to full sun in moist, fertile, well-drained rainforest soil, and establishes fast in gaps and on disturbed edges. Water young trees through dry periods until established. The stinging hairs on every part cause severe, persistent pain on contact, and fallen leaves remain irritant. Airborne leaf hairs can irritate the eyes and airways near the tree. Frost limits the tree to frost-free and sheltered sites. Few pests trouble it, and some insects feed on it despite the stinging hairs.

Pruning

Pruning carries a high risk of severe stings, as cut stems, leaves, and sawdust all carry the toxin. The irritant hairs stay active on cut and dried material for a long time. Removing low branches and saplings reduces accidental contact near paths.