Photo of Bursera simaruba form by josuerne

Photo by josuerne

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Bursera simaruba

Also Known As

  • Copperwood
  • Gumbo Limbo Tree
  • Tourist Tree
  • Turpentine Tree,
  • West Indian Birch

Plant type

tree

size

  • H: 20'-50'
  • W: 15'-50'

planting zones

  • 10a-12

More Options

Bursera simaruba plant details

Bursera simaruba is a broadleaf deciduous or semi-evergreen tree with green foliage. In spring and summer cream flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Attracts bees and birds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, alkaline, average, clay, gritty, lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Bursera simaruba

Plant type: tree
Plant family: burseraceae
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 15 FT - 50 FT - wide, 20 FT - 50 FT - tall
Flowers: cream blooms in spring and summer
Uses: peeling bark, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Bursera simaruba

USDA Zones: 10a - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: acidic, alkaline, average, clay, gritty, lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Beautiful red peeling bark with glaborous pinnate leaves. (L.) Sarg. The most wide-spread of all Burseras. Grows from Mexico to Central America and into South America. Grows both in tropical deciduous and tropical rainforest.

Gardening facts about Bursera simaruba plant

How to Grow Bursera simaruba

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • acidic
    • alkaline
    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • cream
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • bees
  • Fruit

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
    • semi-evergreen

See other plant types of Bursera for your garden

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

9b-11

Size

Height: 20'-33'

Width: 15'-30'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Bursera fagaroides foliage by Michael Wolf
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aka Elephant Tree

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

9a-12

Size

Height: 12'-25'

Width: 12'-25'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Bursera microphylla foliage by Stickpen
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More Options

aka Copal Santo

Plant Type

Tree, Cactus / Succulent

Zones

10a-11

Size

Height: 10'-20'

Width: 10'-20'

  • sun - bright shade
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Bursera copallifera by Cactus Jungle
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More Options

aka Red Cuajiote

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9b-11

Size

Height: 10'

Width: 10'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Bursera morelensis by Cactus Jungle
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aka Bushman Candle

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9b-11

Size

Height: 12"-10'

Width: 24"-15'

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Bursera simplicifolia by Cactus Jungle
View Plant

More Options

+17 more Bursera
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