Xanthostemon chrysanthus
golden penda
Overview
Xanthostemon chrysanthus is an evergreen tree native to the rainforests of northeastern Queensland, Australia, growing 20–50 feet (6–15 m) tall in cultivation and taller in the wild, with a dense, rounded crown. The glossy dark green leaves are lance-shaped to elliptic, 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long, and clustered toward the branch tips, with reddish new growth. Rounded clusters of bright golden-yellow flowers 2.5–4 inches (6–10 cm) across, made up of many long stamens, appear at the branch ends, mainly in autumn and winter with scattered flushes through the year. Small woody capsules follow. Xanthostemon chrysanthus grows naturally along rainforest streams and margins in warm, humid conditions on fertile, moist soils. It is widely planted as a street and garden tree in tropical and subtropical regions. It is frost-sensitive and needs warmth, moisture, and shelter from strong wind. Growth is moderate, and young plants establish faster with regular water and feeding.
Native Range
Native to the rainforests of northeastern Queensland, Australia. It grows along rainforest streams and margins on fertile, moist soils in warm, humid conditions.Suggested Uses
Xanthostemon chrysanthus is used as a street, park, and garden tree in tropical and subtropical regions, and can be kept as a large flowering hedge or screen. Its flowers draw nectar-feeding birds to warm-climate gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 50'
Width/Spread13' - 26'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 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
Xanthostemon chrysanthus grows in full sun to part shade on fertile, moist, well-drained soils in warm climates. It needs reliable moisture, warmth, and shelter from strong wind, and is suited to frost-free tropical and subtropical areas. Regular water and feeding speed the growth of young plants and support flowering. It is damaged by frost and does poorly in cold or dry inland regions. Light pruning after flowering keeps the canopy dense and shapes the tree.Pruning
Light pruning after a flowering flush keeps the canopy dense and maintains shape. It tolerates trimming and can be held as a large shrub or hedge with regular pruning. Removing spent flower clusters tidies the plant before the next flush.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons