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(Guaiacum coulteri)
Guayacan (Guaiacum coulteri)
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Travelian
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CC BY 2.0
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Photo by: Travelian | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 | Uploader: Flickr upload bot | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Guaiacum_coulteri.jpg | Notes: User created page with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Guaiacum coulteri, commonly known as Guayacan, is an evergreen tree native to the tropical deciduous forests and thorn scrub of Mexico, particularly in the Pacific Coast states of Sinaloa and Nayarit. It can grow to a height of 9-18 feet (2.7-5.5 meters) and a width of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters). Guayacan features a dense, rounded crown with leathery, dark green leaves that provide year-round foliage. It produces showy blue to purple flowers in the spring, which are followed by yellow, heart-shaped fruits that are attractive to birds and other wildlife.
Guayacan is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in hot, arid conditions, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens. Its striking blue and purple flowers make it a popular ornamental plant in regions with similar climates to its native habitat. Guayacan is also known for its hard, dense wood, historically used in shipbuilding and for medicinal purposes. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure, minimal water once established, and well-drained soils. It is not commonly affected by diseases but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.CC BY-SA 4.0
Guayacan is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in hot, arid conditions, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens. Its striking blue and purple flowers make it a popular ornamental plant in regions with similar climates to its native habitat. Guayacan is also known for its hard, dense wood, historically used in shipbuilding and for medicinal purposes. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure, minimal water once established, and well-drained soils. It is not commonly affected by diseases but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 9-18 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Tropical deciduous forests and thorn scrub
Other Names
Common Names: Pockwood, Sonora Guaiacum, Tree Of Life, Wood Of Life
Scientific Names: , Guaiacum coulteri, Guaiacum parvifolium, Guaiacum planchonii, Guaiacum sanctum f. angustifolium,
GBIF Accepted Name: Guaiacum coulteri A.Gray