Oreopanax spp.

oreopanax

Araliaceae Neotropics (Mexico to the Andes)

Attracts Pollinators Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Oreopanax spp. is a genus of about 80 to 150 evergreen shrubs and trees in the ivy family, Araliaceae, native to the warm and montane Americas. Plants range from multi-stemmed shrubs to trees 20–40 ft (6–12 m) tall, and some begin life as epiphytes that root down to the ground. The leaves are large, leathery, and held on long stalks, either simple or split into finger-like lobes in a palmate pattern, often changing shape between young and adult growth. Tiny flowers are packed into rounded heads arranged in branched or spike-like clusters, greenish-white to yellowish and easy to overlook, and are followed by small fleshy fruits taken by birds. Oreopanax spp. grows in cloud forest and humid mountain woodland from Mexico through Central America to the Andes. It is grown chiefly for its bold evergreen foliage in frost-free gardens and as a foliage houseplant when young, much like its relative Schefflera spp.. Most species need warmth, shelter, and steady moisture, and are damaged by frost.

Native Range

Oreopanax spp. is native to the Americas, from Mexico and the Caribbean through Central America and into the Andes of South America. It grows in cloud forest, humid montane woodland, and forest margins, sometimes starting as an epiphyte on other trees.

Suggested Uses

Oreopanax spp. is grown as an evergreen foliage shrub or small tree in frost-free gardens, courtyards, and large containers, and as a foliage houseplant while young. It is set 6–12 ft (1.8–3.5 m) apart as a garden specimen, depending on the species size. The bold leaves suit shaded, tropical-style plantings.

How to Identify

Identify Oreopanax spp. by its large, leathery, long-stalked evergreen leaves, which may be simple or cut into spreading finger-like lobes and often differ between juvenile and adult plants. Small flowers are gathered into dense rounded heads on branched stalks. The ivy-family heads and fleshy fruits, with foliage like a large Schefflera spp., mark the genus.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 40'

Width/Spread6' - 20'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Oreopanax spp. flowers mainly in autumn and winter in its native range, carrying dense rounded heads of tiny greenish flowers on branched stalks. The bloom adds little color, as the flowers are small and dull. Small fleshy fruits follow and are eaten and spread by birds.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

greenish-white to yellow

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

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

5-10 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Oreopanax spp. grows in part shade to full sun and deep, rich, moist but free-draining soil at a pH of 5.5–7.0. It needs warmth, shelter from wind, and steady moisture, with growth slowing below about 50°F (10°C) and tissue damaged by frost. Young plants take more shade, while established ones stand brighter light. As a houseplant it needs a bright spot out of direct midday sun, even watering, and moderate to high humidity. Feeding is moderate through the warm season. Propagation is by seed or by semi-hardwood cuttings, with air layering used on larger forms.

Pruning

Oreopanax spp. needs little pruning beyond removing dead, damaged, or crossing stems and shaping leggy plants. Cutting back tall stems in spring keeps container and indoor plants within bounds and prompts bushier growth. Old flower and fruit heads are removed once they fade.