GENERAL INFO
Persea americana is a handsome, spreading, often multi-stemmed tree with a low-branching, rounded canopy. Due to the popularity of the Avocado fruit, this species is grown commercially throughout southern California, southern Florida, and Hawai'i, and has multiple commercial varieties. Its lush, bicolored leaves are dull green on top and attractively pale green underneath. Both male and female flowers grow on the same individual but mature at different times to avoid self-pollination. This species is intolerant of drought and even mild frost, and thrives best in loose, well-drained soils. It has a HPWRA (Hawai‘i Pacific Weed Risk Assessment) score of 3 (Evaluate).
Native range: Mexico, Central America and South America.Horticultural use: Specimen or Shade TreeEthnobotanical Info / Tree Use: Avocados were domesticated by human societies over 5000 years ago in Mesoamerica, where they are a central element of traditional diets. The English name avocado derives from the Spanish ʻaguacate’, which derives from the orignal auacatl in Nahuatl, the ancestral language of the valley of Mexico. Avocados have a significantly higher fat content than most tropical fruits, and are an important ingredient in traditional Mesoamerican foods (guacamole, salsas, pozole, sopas, tacos), and non-traditional global fusion food (soups, sweets, salads, sandwiches). 8.1 million tons of avocados were commercially produced across the glove in 2020. Avocados were introduced as a commercial crop tree to Hawaiʻi in the early 1800’s, and have since naturalized to become a common component of the lowland wet and mesic forest. (Bhuyan et al., 2019; Little, 1989).
Avocado trees have various uses in traditional medicine. The leaves are used to treat dysentery, coughs, high blood pressure, liver problems, and gout, the bark for diarrhea, and the fruits for high cholesterol, hair loss, and skin conditions. The seed oil of Avocado is additionally used to produce cosmetics and fabric dye. Citations Page
Native range: Mexico, Central America and South America.Horticultural use: Specimen or Shade TreeEthnobotanical Info / Tree Use: Avocados were domesticated by human societies over 5000 years ago in Mesoamerica, where they are a central element of traditional diets. The English name avocado derives from the Spanish ʻaguacate’, which derives from the orignal auacatl in Nahuatl, the ancestral language of the valley of Mexico. Avocados have a significantly higher fat content than most tropical fruits, and are an important ingredient in traditional Mesoamerican foods (guacamole, salsas, pozole, sopas, tacos), and non-traditional global fusion food (soups, sweets, salads, sandwiches). 8.1 million tons of avocados were commercially produced across the glove in 2020. Avocados were introduced as a commercial crop tree to Hawaiʻi in the early 1800’s, and have since naturalized to become a common component of the lowland wet and mesic forest. (Bhuyan et al., 2019; Little, 1989).
Avocado trees have various uses in traditional medicine. The leaves are used to treat dysentery, coughs, high blood pressure, liver problems, and gout, the bark for diarrhea, and the fruits for high cholesterol, hair loss, and skin conditions. The seed oil of Avocado is additionally used to produce cosmetics and fabric dye. Citations Page
TREE CHARACTERISTICS
Tree Shape: RoundedFoliage Type: EvergreenMaximum Tree Height: 40 feetCanopy Width: 25-35 feetGrowth Rate: ~24-36 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, SimpleLeaf Shape: EllipticLeaf color: GreenFlowers: ShowyFlower Color: greenFlower Time: Winter or SpringFruit: Very Large Green or Purple BerryFruiting time: Spring or SummerFruit Value: EdibleBark Color: Brown, RoughLitter Type: Leaves, Fruit
SITE CONDITIONS
Recommended Planting Area: 4' to 7'Water Use Rating: MediumSunset Climate Zone: 9, 15, 19 - 24Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 9, 10, 11Soil Texture: Loam or Sand or ClaySoil pH: Acidic to AlkalineWind Resistance: Lowest
CONSIDERATIONS
Branch Strength: StrongRoot Damage Potential: LowBiogenic Emissions: LowDisease and Pest susceptibility: Root Rot, Leaf Spot and Invasive Shot Hole Borer, Mites, ScalesUtility Friendly: NoWCISA Appraisal: Suggested LCANT 24" box, Suggested LCANT 24" box, Group Rating 3, Approx. cross sectional area 3.80 sq. in.
External Resources
CITE THIS TREE
"SelecTree. UFEI. "Persea americana Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal
Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Apr 6, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/995 >
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/995 >
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