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(Bocconia frutescens)
Parrotweed (Bocconia frutescens)
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Forest & Kim Starr
CC BY 3.0
Image By:
Forest & Kim Starr
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Forest & Kim Starr | License Type: CC BY 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0 | Uploader: BotMultichill | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Starr_010714-0013_Bocconia_frutescens.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description=Day 1 of the Overland Track Boronia citriodora Rutaceae family This was a new plant for me, I was to see it often during the walk. [http://www.utas.edu.au/docs/plant_science/field_botany/species/dicots/rutacsp/borocitr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Bocconia frutescens, commonly known as Parrotweed, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the cloud forests and lower montane rainforests of Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. It typically grows up to 20 feet (6 meters) tall with a similar spread, and it features large, deeply lobed leaves that can add a tropical look to the garden. The plant produces panicles of tiny, cream to yellow flowers, which are followed by decorative clusters of small, capsule-like fruits. The flowers bloom in the summer and are not particularly showy, but they do attract pollinators. Parrotweed exudes a bitter yellow or orange latex sap when cut, which can be an irritant.
Parrotweed is appreciated for its bold foliage and architectural form, making it suitable for use as a specimen plant or in a mixed border in tropical and subtropical gardens. It requires well-draining soil, moderate water, and thrives in full sun to part shade. While it can be a striking addition to the landscape, Bocconia frutescens is potentially invasive in some regions, and its aggressive growth can make it difficult to control. Gardeners should be cautious and consult local regulations before planting. It is also important to handle the plant with care due to its latex sap, which can cause skin irritation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Parrotweed is appreciated for its bold foliage and architectural form, making it suitable for use as a specimen plant or in a mixed border in tropical and subtropical gardens. It requires well-draining soil, moderate water, and thrives in full sun to part shade. While it can be a striking addition to the landscape, Bocconia frutescens is potentially invasive in some regions, and its aggressive growth can make it difficult to control. Gardeners should be cautious and consult local regulations before planting. It is also important to handle the plant with care due to its latex sap, which can cause skin irritation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
- Height: 3-16 feet
- Width: 3-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden
Natural Habitat
Cloud forests and lower montane rainforests
Other Names
Common Names: Plume Poppy, Tree Poppy, Tree Celandine, Sea Oxeye Daisy, John Crow Bus
Scientific Names: , Bocconia frutescens, Bocconia latisepala, Bocconia gracilis, Bocconia frutescens var. subtomentosa, Bocconia frutescens var. glaucescens, Bocconia ferruginea, Bocconia frutescens f. subtomentosa, Bocconia frutescens var. cernua, Bocconia frutescens f. glaucescens
GBIF Accepted Name: Bocconia frutescens L.