Cunonia capensis

Also Known As

Butterspoon Tree

Plant type

tree

size

H: 15'-30'
W: 15'

planting zones

9a-11

More Options

Cunonia capensis plant details

Cunonia capensis is a broadleaf evergreen tree with bronze and green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - bright shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cunonia capensis

Plant type: tree
Plant family: cunoniaceae
Foliage: evergreen bronze and green
Mature size: 15 FT wide, 15 FT - 30 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, fragrant, tropical-looking, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cunonia capensis

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A wonderful tree from South Africa named “Butterknife Tree” because of the fascinating red leaf stipules that look like butter knives. The foliage is most beautiful - the new growth is bronze & the older foliage is glossy green & evergreen. With showy white fragrant 10-12” flowers that are bottlebrush shaped & appear in Summer. From South Africa, it is found growing in forests where it can reach up to 30’, but in more open areas it gets to be only 15’ tall & wide. It is fast growing but the wood is hard & fine grained & can be used in furniture making. Grows beautifully in a large pot for years. May take a few years to flower, but be patient & the foliage alone makes it work growing anyway! Grows best in mild climates, Cunonia doesn’t care for heat. Don’t let it get too dry either, since it really prefers moist soil.