Jacaranda spp.
jacarandas
Tropical and subtropical South America, Central America, and the Caribbean
Overview
Jacaranda is a genus of about 49 species of trees and large shrubs in the trumpet-vine family (Bignoniaceae), native to tropical and subtropical South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, with the greatest number in Brazil. Most species form a broad, open crown 15 to 50 ft (4.5 to 15 m) tall, carried on a short trunk with smooth grey to brown bark. The leaves are large and twice-pinnate, divided into many small leaflets that give a soft, fern-like texture. J. mimosifolia, the species most often seen in cultivation, is planted along streets across warm regions of the world for its dense panicles of tubular blue to violet flowers, each about 2 in (5 cm) long, that open in late spring before or with the new leaves. Flowering is followed by flat, woody, disc-shaped seed capsules that persist on bare branches. The genus is frost-tender and confined to mild climates, where fallen flowers and pods can litter paving below. In parts of South Africa and Australia J. mimosifolia has naturalized and is treated as a weed. The wood of some species is worked in cabinetry.
Native Range
The genus is native to tropical and subtropical South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, centered in Brazil. J. mimosifolia comes from northwestern Argentina and Bolivia.Suggested Uses
Used as a street, park, and lawn specimen tree in frost-free and near-frost-free climates worldwide. The open canopy casts light shade suited to underplanting. Where space is tight or frost is a risk, plants are grown in large containers and overwintered under cover.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 50'
Width/Spread15' - 40'
Bloom Information
Flowering peaks in late spring to early summer, often on bare or sparsely leaved branches, and can recur lightly in autumn in warm climates. A heavy bloom lasts two to several weeks, carpeting the ground as petals fall. Trees often flower more freely after a dry, cool spell.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
blue to violetFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Trees grow in full sun in deep, well-drained soil and need protection from frost, which kills young growth and disfigures the canopy. Young trees are watered through dry spells, while established trees tolerate moderate drought. Bloom is heaviest in warm climates with a distinct dry season and is reduced in cool, damp, or shaded sites. The brittle wood and shallow roots can lift paving and drop limbs in storms. Few serious pests occur, though root rot follows wet, heavy soil. Growth from seed is fast, but seedlings take seven years or more to flower.Pruning
Young trees are pruned in late winter to set a single leader and a high, balanced branch framework. Mature trees need little pruning beyond removing dead, crossing, or storm-damaged wood. Heavy topping is avoided, as it spoils the natural canopy and forces weak regrowth.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons