Photo of Fouquieria columnaris form by Tomas Castelazo

Photo by Tomas Castelazo

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Fouquieria columnaris

Also Known As

  • Idria columnaris
  • Boojum Tree
  • Cirio Tree

Plant type

tree

size

  • H: 30'-50'
  • W: 5'-7'

planting zones

  • 9a-11

More Options

Fouquieria columnaris plant details

Fouquieria columnaris is a broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In fall, spring, summer and winter yellow flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Grows well with sun and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Fouquieria columnaris

Plant type: tree
Plant family: fouquieriaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 5 FT - 7 FT - wide, 30 FT - 50 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in fall, spring, summer and winter
Uses: long-blooming, native plant, spiky, unique, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Fouquieria columnaris

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Baja CA; Thick base, dormant in summer; Slow to 50ft. Hardy to 20F.
Slow Growing. Water Moderately When in LeafFull to Part Sun. Cream/Yellow Bell Shaped Flowers After 6' Tall. Indoor/Outdoor (Patio).

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

The "Boojum Tree". Fat bodied babies with spiney stems.

By: Kara Nursery

Gardening facts about Fouquieria columnaris plant

How to Grow Fouquieria columnaris

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • low - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
    • fall
    • winter
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • glaucous

See other plant types of Fouquieria for your garden

aka PALO ADAN

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub, Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 6'-8'

Width: 4'

  • sun - bright shade
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Fouquieria diguetii distinctive bark, foliage, spiky by Cactus Jungle
View Plant

More Options

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

9a-10b

Size

Height: 12'-15'

Width: 6'-12'

  • sun
  • low
Photo of Fouquieria formosa distinctive bark, foliage, form by Cactus Jungle
View Plant

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aka Cantua fasciculata

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

9b-11

Size

Height: 8'-15'

Width: 8'-15'

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Fouquieria fasciculata foliage by Stan Shebs
View Plant

More Options

aka White-flowered Ocotillo

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

7a-11

Size

Height: 30'

Width: 10'

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Fouquieria splendens form by Leaflet
View Plant

More Options

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

10a-11

Size

Height: 15'-20'

Width: 10'-12'

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Fouquieria campanulata by Cactus Jungle
View Plant

More Options

+3 more Fouquieria
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