SOAPBARK TREE
Quillaja saponaria
FAMILY Quillajaceae
SYNONYMS
Quillaja poeppigii
Quillaja smegmadermos
ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES
QUILLAJA
KILAYA
SOAPBUSH
MURILLO'S BARK
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See: all Quillaja
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by C. Stubler, J. Reimer, M. Ritter, R. Turner
GENERAL INFO
This tree has a rounded canopy filled with glossy, dark green leaves that provide ample shade. Its bark is rugged and has a distinctive, cork-like texture. In the spring, it produces small, white flowers that add a subtle touch of elegance to its appearance. The tree is drought-tolerant, making it well-suited for urban environments with limited water resources. It also has a moderate growth rate, ensuring it won't outgrow its space too quickly. This tree is an excellent choice for adding both beauty and resilience to city landscapes.
Native range: ChileHorticultural use: Street TreeSchoolyard Use: This tree has thick, evergreen leaves that stay vibrant year-round, making it a good subject for discussions on evergreen versus deciduous plants. The leaves contain saponins, which can be used to teach about natural soap production and chemical properties in plants. Its bark can be incorporated into lessons about traditional uses of plants by indigenous cultures. The tree produces clusters of small, white flowers that attract pollinators, providing opportunities to explore pollination and ecosystem interactions.
Native range: ChileHorticultural use: Street TreeSchoolyard Use: This tree has thick, evergreen leaves that stay vibrant year-round, making it a good subject for discussions on evergreen versus deciduous plants. The leaves contain saponins, which can be used to teach about natural soap production and chemical properties in plants. Its bark can be incorporated into lessons about traditional uses of plants by indigenous cultures. The tree produces clusters of small, white flowers that attract pollinators, providing opportunities to explore pollination and ecosystem interactions.
TREE CHARACTERISTICS
Tree Shape: RoundedFoliage Type: EvergreenMaximum Tree Height: 45 feetCanopy Width: 15-25 feetGrowth Rate: ~12 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, SimpleLeaf Shape: OvateLeaf color: Dark GreenFlower Color: Yellow or CreamFlower Time: Spring or SummerFruit: Small Brown CapsuleFruiting time: Fall or WinterBark Color: Brown, Scaly
SITE CONDITIONS
Recommended Planting Area: 4' to 7'Schoolyard Trees: YesWater Use Rating: LowSunset Climate Zone: 12 - 24Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
CONSIDERATIONS
Root Damage Potential: LowWildlife interactions: Attracts beesUtility Friendly: NoWCISA Appraisal: Suggested LCANT 24" box, Group 2, Approx. cross sectional area 2.24 sq. in.
External Resources
CITE THIS TREE
"SelecTree. UFEI. "Quillaja saponaria Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal
Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Apr 28, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/1522 >
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/1522 >
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