Indian Trumpet Tree

(Oroxylum indicum)

Indian Trumpet Tree (Oroxylum indicum)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Oroxylum indicum image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Oroxylum indicum, commonly known as Indian Trumpet Tree, is a deciduous tree native to tropical and subtropical moist forests, often found in the Indian subcontinent, Himalayan foothills, Indochina, and parts of Southeast Asia. It typically grows to a height of 59 feet (18 meters) with a straight trunk and a broad, umbrella-like canopy. The leaves are large, pinnate, and can reach up to 4-5 feet in length, adding to the tree’s tropical appearance. Its flowers are large, dark purple or pink, and bloom at night, attracting pollinators such as bats. The flowering season is brief, usually occurring in the late spring or early summer. The tree’s long, sword-like seed pods are quite distinctive and can grow up to 2 feet long.

Indian Trumpet Tree is valued for its ornamental features, including its dramatic foliage and unusual flowers. It is often used in tropical and subtropical landscapes as a specimen tree. The tree is also known for its medicinal properties, with various parts used in traditional medicine. In cultivation, it prefers moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types. It requires full sun to part shade and regular watering to establish, but once mature, it is relatively drought-tolerant. While it is not typically invasive, it can spread through its prolific seed production if conditions are favorable.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 18-36 feet
  • Width: 10-15 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Tropical and subtropical moist forests

Other Names

Common Names: Midnight Horror , Broken Bones Tree , Tree of Damocles

Scientific Names: Oroxylum indicum , Arthrophyllum ceylanicum , Arthrophyllum reticulatum , Arthrophyllum reticulatum , Bignonia indica , Bignonia lugubris , Bignonia pentandra , Bignonia quadripinnata , Bignonia tripinnata , Bignonia tuberculata

GBIF Accepted Name: