Silver tree.

En un coup d'œil

Niveau d'entretien

Difficile

Type de plante

Evergreen tree

Lumière

Full sun

Lumière en intérieur

Soleil direct

Arrosage

Tous les 7 à 14 jours

Taille adulte

5 to 7 meters

Croissance

Moyenne

Rusticité

USDA 9 à 11

Floraison

Late winter to early spring

Entretien

This plant needs excellent drainage and plenty of airflow to stay healthy. Keep an eye out for root rot, which often shows up as wilting or discolored foliage. It prefers a Mediterranean climate and struggles in high humidity.

Arrosage

Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings to prevent root issues.

Engrais

Use a low-phosphorus fertilizer sparingly as this plant is sensitive to nutrients.

Taille

Lightly prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.

Rempotage

Repot only when necessary, as this plant dislikes root disturbance.

Sol

Sandy, acidic, well-draining soil

pH du sol

Acidic

Température

-2 à 35°C

Humidité

30 à 50%

Résistance à la sécheresse

Élevée

Durée de vie

Perennial, typically 20 to 50 years

Résistance aux chevreuils et lapins

Moyenne

Sécurité

Humains

There is no evidence of significant human toxicity.

Enfants

The stiff, pointed leaves can be sharp, so keep this plant away from areas where children play.

Allergènes de contact

The fine hairs on the leaves can cause mechanical skin irritation if handled frequently.

Allergènes aéroportés

The pollen may cause mild respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals during the flowering season.

Comestibilité

This plant is not intended for human consumption.

Comment l'identifier

• Silvery, lance-shaped leaves
• Leaves covered in fine, silky hairs
• Stiff, woody stems
• Distinctive cone-like flower heads

Hauteur

5 à 7m

Envergure

2 à 4m

Feuilles

silver, grey, evergreen

Fleurs

yellow, 3 à 5cm

Fruits

brown, Late summer

Problèmes courants

• Root rot — Caused by poor drainage or overwatering in heavy soils.
• Phytophthora — A soil borne pathogen that thrives in wet, warm conditions.

La cultiver

Multiplication

seed, cuttings

Quand planter

spring, autumn

Hivernage

Protect from hard frosts and ensure the soil remains very dry during the winter months to prevent root rot.

En pot

It is not well suited for containers due to its deep taproot and need for specific soil conditions.

Group with other fynbos plants that require minimal fertilization and excellent drainage.

Bonnes associations

• Protea repens — They share similar requirements for acidic, well drained soil.
• Erica — These plants thrive in the same nutrient poor, fynbos conditions.

Espèces similaires

• Leucadendron salignum — It is a smaller, more manageable relative with similar foliage habits.

Science

Famille

Proteaceae

Genre

Leucadendron

Ordre

Proteales

Classe

Magnoliopsida

Région d'origine

South Africa, specifically the Cape Peninsula.

Préservation

This species is classified as endangered in its native South African habitat due to urban development and invasive species.

It is a fire adapted species that relies on fire to clear competing vegetation and trigger seed release.

Intérêt pour la faune

nectar source

Pollinisateurs

abeilles, coléoptères

Utilisations

ornamental specimen, cut foliage, windbreak

Taxonomie vérifiée avec le GBIF.

Ce qu'on demande souvent

Does it need a lot of water?

No, it prefers well drained, sandy soil and is quite drought tolerant once established.

Can I grow it in a pot?

It is difficult to maintain in a container long term due to its large size and specific soil needs.

D'où vient le nom

The genus name Leucadendron comes from the Greek words for white and tree, while the species name argenteum means silvery.

Bon à savoir

• It is commonly known as the Silver Tree.
• The leaves were historically used by early settlers to create paintings.
• It is a member of the Proteaceae family.
• It is endemic to a very small area on the slopes of Table Mountain.
• The silvery sheen is caused by dense, reflective hairs.

Aussi dans

• Plantes résistantes à la sécheresse