#57 Jacaranda acutifolia Common Names: jacaranda Family: Bignoniaceae (bignonia Family) Get link to this Profile or click for Datasheet

The jacaranda is a small tree that can grow to 50 ft (15 m) in height and about half that in width.

The jacaranda is a large deciduous tree with fine-textured, fern-like pinnate leaves. Young trees are upright but assume an irregular branching pattern that produces beautifully asymmetric open crowns as the trees age. From April to June (depending on species and location) the tree covers itself with showy trumpet shaped flowers that are about 1.5 inches wide and are arranged in panicles (pyramid shaped clusters) that grow at the tips of branches.

While the individual blossom are not that large, the flower clusters can be more than a foot long.

Location
There are about 50 species of Jacaranda, most of them native to South America and the Caribbean basin. J. mimosifolia (nurseries often label this tree J. acutifolia which is a synonym) is the species most often seen in Florida are native to the Amazon River Basin countries of Brazil, Argentina and Peru. The spectacular Jacaranda is enjoyed as an ornamental in many near-frostless areas all over the world.

Culture
Jacaranda prefers enriched sandy, well drained soils but is tolerant of most soil types. This is not a salt tolerant plant.
Light: Bright sunny conditions are preferred. This tree will tolerate some shade but will bear fewer flowers.
Moisture: Likes moisture but will tolerate some drought. Doesn't like soggy or poorly drained situations.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 9 - 11.
Propagation: By seed. Selected varieties are grafted. Cutting from half-ripened wood can also be used (treat with rooting hormone).

This jacaranda thrives in the rich moist soil found at its canalside home.

Jacaranda is good for urban, street and boulevard plantings. Indeed, the first I ever heard of this tree was when Gidget (Sally Fields in the TV series NOT Sandra Dee in the movie version) was distraught because the city was going to cut down the jacaranda trees that lined her street. If I recall correctly, she came through for the trees and all lived happily ever after. When I first saw the jacaranda in person I thought, "wow, now I understand why Gidget became so passionate - what a beautiful tree!"

Features
The jacaranda boasts some of the most electric and intense colors that nature has to offer - I love the vibrant blue, violets and purples that are the hallmark of this genus. The fact that the tree stays in bloom for more that 8 weeks makes it even more desirable. Jacaranda are inexpensive and easily available from most nurseries and garden centers in areas where it will grow.

Jack Scheper 06/06/99; updated 12/31/06

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