Photo of Cussonia spicata form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Cussonia spicata

Also Known As

  • Cabbage Tree

Plant type

tree

size

  • H: 10'-30'
  • W: 12'

planting zones

  • 9b-11

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Cussonia spicata plant details

Cussonia spicata is a broadleaf evergreen tree with green foliage. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cussonia spicata

Plant type: tree
Plant family: araliaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 12 FT wide, 10 FT - 30 FT - tall
Uses: distinctive bark

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cussonia spicata

USDA Zones: 9b - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Easy, fast growing & distinctive, “Cabbage Trees” look much like Dr. Seuss’ “truffula trees” in their younger years. The fun shape it creates is rather like a palm tree with the foliage popping out of the top of a single, thick, corky-barked trunk. The evergreen foliage is cool looking - smooth, bluish-green & deeply lobed. The light colored corky bark is interesting & attractive. Thick, candle-like flower spikes emerge from the central foliage tuft in late Spring to early Summer. I’ve only seen them reach a height of 10’-12’ but they reach 30’ in their native environment, eventually becoming a multi-stemmed, multi-branched tree. Growth rate depends on how much water you provide & they much prefer & regular watering. “Cabbage Tree” makes a wonderful accent plant for a patio, tropicalesque or collector’s garden & is an excellent choice for a large container.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Cussonia spicata plant

How to Grow Cussonia spicata

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy

See other plant types of Cussonia for your garden

aka Highveld Cabbage Tree

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub, Perennial

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 12'

Width: 7'

  • sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Cussonia paniculata foliage by Waltzing Matilija
View Plant

aka Grey Cabbage Tree

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 16'

Width: 12"

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Cussonia transvaalensis form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

aka Forest Cabbage Tree

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

9b-10b

Size

Height: 80'

Width: 20'

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Cussonia sphaerocephala form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

aka Gamboos Cabbage Tree

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

9b-10b

Size

Height: 6'-12'

Width: 3'-5'

  • sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Cussonia gamtoosensis form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

aka Rock Cabbage Tree

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

10a-11

Size

Height: 13'-20'

Width: 10'

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Cussonia natalensis form by JMK
View Plant

More Options

+2 more Cussonia
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