SelecTree: Tree Detail

Photo Locations: Culver City, CA, Huntington Botanical Gardens - San Marino, CA, Strybing Arboretum - San Francisco, CA and Quail Botanical Gardens - Encinitas, CA

General Notes

New foliage is bronzey red.

Has fragrant Flower.

Native to Southern Africa.

Family: Cunoniaceae

Additional Common Names

AFRICAN RED ALDER, BUTTERSPOON TREE, BUTTERKNIFE TREE, ROOIELS

Tree Characteristics

Erect or Spreading with a Low Canopy.

Oval Shape.

Has Evergreen foliage.

Height: 30 - 60 feet.

Width: 10 - 20 feet.

Growth Rate: 24 Inches per Year.

Longevity 40 to 150 years.

Leaves Pinnately Compound Odd, Dark Green, No Change, Evergreen.

Flowers Showy. Fragrant Cream to White. Flowers in Summer. Has perfect flowers (male and female parts in each flower).

Brown Capsule, Small (0.25 - 0.50 inches), fruiting in Fall Wildlife use it.

Bark Light Green or Light Gray, Rough.

Shading Capacity Rated as Moderately Low in Leaf.

Tree Site Conditions & Constraints

Sunset Zones 9 and 12 - 24.

USDA Hardiness Zones 10 - 11.

Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Moist Soil.

Loam or Sand Texture.

Highly Acidic to Highly Alkaline Soil pH.

Seaside Tolerance is Good in Mild Zone.

Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns

Root Damage Potential Rated as Low.

None Known Health Hazard.

Desirable Wildlife Plant.

Wildlife use Fruit.

Special Uses & Values

Screen.

Cite this tree:
SelecTree. "Cunonia capensis Tree Record." 1995-2020. Feb 27, 2020.
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/cunonia-capensis >

This tree is not part of the SelecTree Nursery Connection. If you would like to see this tree listed, or know of a nursery that sells it, please contact us at ufei@calpoly.edu.