Kurrajong
Latin Name: Brachychiton populneus
Price range: $19.95 through $84.95
- Pot Size: 4 Inch, 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon (Local Pickup Only), 15 Gallon (Local Pickup Only)
- Hardiness Zone: Zone 9, Zone 10, Zone 11
Brachychiton populneus, known as the kurrajong, is an evergreen tree from eastern Australia with a dense, rounded crown. Young trees begin narrow and upright, then broaden into a spreading dome as they age. Its glossy green leaves hang from long stalks and shimmer in the wind, much like a poplar’s. The trunk grows thick and slightly swollen near the base, where the tree stores water to carry it through long dry spells. In late spring, small bell-shaped flowers appear in cream and pale pink, each one speckled inside. This shade-giving tree has long been valued in hot, dry regions.
Plant Details
Quick Information
- Latin Name: Brachychiton populneus
- Plant Family: Malvaceae
- Common Names: Kurrajong, Bottle Tree, Black Kurrajong
- Origin / Native Range: Eastern Australia, from Victoria through New South Wales to Queensland, mainly the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range and the semi-arid interior
- Mature Height × Width: 30–45 ft × 20–30 ft
- Exposure Requirements: Full Sun
- Irrigation Requirements: Low
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11
- Cold Hardiness: 18°F–20°F
- Bloom Time: Late Spring to Early Summer
- Bloom Color: Creamy White to Pale Pink
General Information
The kurrajong changes its look as it grows. Young trees are cone-shaped and upright, but older trees spread into a broad, rounded canopy that casts deep shade. One of its quirks is that its leaves come in several shapes on the same tree. Some are simple and pointed, shaped like a teardrop, while others have three to nine narrow lobes, like fingers. This mix is most common on young plants and gives the tree a varied, layered texture. The bark starts smooth and green on young stems. It turns dark gray and deeply furrowed on the trunk with age. After flowering, the tree forms woody, boat-shaped seed pods. These dry to a dark brown color and hang on the branches for months.
This toughness comes from where the kurrajong grows in the wild. It is native to eastern Australia, where it lives on rocky slopes and dry inland plains and sees little summer rain. Young trees quickly grow a deep taproot, a single thick root that reaches far down for water. This root and the water stored in the trunk allow mature trees to survive long droughts. The tree can even survive fire. In farm country, the trees are often left standing in open paddocks. Their leaves make useful fodder, or animal feed, when other plants dry up during drought. In the garden, the kurrajong works well as a shade tree, a windbreak, or a privacy screen. Its flowers also draw honeybees. Because it grows a deep taproot early, the kurrajong dislikes being moved. It is best to plant it in its final spot from the start.
Like many trees, the kurrajong is monoecious, meaning a single tree carries both male and female flowers. The small bell-shaped blooms have no true petals. Their color comes from the outer flower parts, called sepals. These form a creamy cup that is speckled red or purple inside. Aboriginal Australians have long used this tree in many ways. The seeds and roots are eaten as food, and the inner bark is twisted into strong twine and fishing line. The roasted seeds have a mild, nutty flavor, and early settlers even ground them as a coffee substitute. One word of caution: the seed pods are lined with fine, stiff hairs that can irritate skin and eyes. Wear gloves if you handle the pods or collect seeds.
General Planting & Cultivation Information
Even drought-tolerant plants require regular watering until they are well established, good drainage is essential. If planting in containers, avoid pots without drainage holes.
Irrigate by watering deeply and then allowing the top several inches of soil to dry between waterings. This encourages the plant to send roots deep into the earth in search of moisture, helping it to become established, prevent root rot, build drought tolerance, and resilience to wind, heat, and cold.
The length of time between waterings will vary depending on your growing conditions and environment. Use a moisture meter for precise irrigation.
When planting, set the plant at the same depth as it was in its current container. For trees, ensure the top of the root flare is at soil level.
Young plants are vulnerable to harsh conditions, so consider growing them in larger containers until mature.
When planting in the ground, research the optimal planting season for your climate zone and protect young plants from frost.
To support establishment, consider creating a microclimate with nurse plants, shade, or wind protection. This can reduce stress, conserve soil moisture, and increase long-term success.
Protect the small, immature plants from rabbits and deer.
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