Leucaena leucocephala
white leadtree
Overview
Leucaena leucocephala is a fast-growing evergreen to semi-evergreen tree or large shrub in the pea family, reaching 15-50 feet (4.5-15 m) tall with an open, often multi-stemmed crown. The bark is grey-brown, and the bipinnate leaves are fern-like, 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) long, divided into many small grey-green leaflets that fold at night. Round, fluffy white flower heads about 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) across appear through much of the year in warm climates, followed by clusters of flat, papery brown seed pods 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long, each holding many shiny brown seeds. The tree grows from seed and root sprouts and produces large amounts of seed, forming dense thickets that crowd out other plants. It has naturalized across the tropics and subtropics and is widely listed as an invasive tree. The foliage and seeds contain the amino acid mimosine, which is toxic to non-ruminant animals such as horses and pigs if eaten in quantity. It tolerates poor soil, drought, and salt, and resprouts strongly after cutting. Roots fix nitrogen through nodules.
Native Range
Leucaena leucocephala is native to southern Mexico and Central America. It has been planted throughout the tropics for fodder, fuel, and shade and has naturalized widely, becoming invasive in Africa, Asia, the Pacific islands, and Australia. It grows in disturbed ground, roadsides, coastal scrub, and open woodland.Suggested Uses
Grown in the tropics for cattle fodder, firewood, green manure, and quick shade, and used in erosion control and alley cropping. Because it spreads aggressively, planting is restricted or discouraged in many regions. The nitrogen-fixing roots improve soil fertility.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 50'
Width/Spread15' - 30'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in full sun and a wide range of soils, tolerating drought, salt, and poor, alkaline ground once established. Growth is very fast, and trees can flower and set seed within their first year. The species seeds heavily and resprouts after cutting, forming dense thickets, and is regulated as invasive in many regions. Foliage and seeds contain mimosine, which is toxic to horses, pigs, and other non-ruminants if eaten in quantity. Trees fix nitrogen and need no feeding. Hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.Pruning
The tree tolerates hard pruning and coppicing and resprouts vigorously from cut stumps. Cutting is often used to harvest fodder and fuelwood. Removing seed pods before they ripen reduces self-seeding.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winterearly spring