BRACHYCHITON ACERIFOLIUS

Botanical Name: Brachychiton acerifolius
Common Names: Flame Tree, Illawarra Flame Tree
Mature Size: 30–40 feet (9–12 meters) in height, 20–30 feet (6–9 meters) in spread
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy and loamy substrates
Water Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Bright green, maple-like deciduous leaves
Flowers: Striking clusters of bell-shaped scarlet-red flowers, typically blooming in late spring to early summer
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

Uses:

Ornamental Tree: Brachychiton acerifolius is highly valued for its breathtaking floral displays and lush canopy, making it a show-stopping centerpiece in urban landscapes, parks, and large gardens.

Shade Provider: Its broad foliage provides excellent shade during warmer months, enhancing outdoor comfort in public and private spaces.

Street Tree: Frequently used in streetscapes due to its resilience, upright form, and seasonal visual interest.

Benefits:

• Spectacular Blooms: Renowned for its vibrant red flowers that can cover the entire canopy, especially when leafless.

• Urban Tolerant: Adapts well to city environments, tolerating pollution and compacted soils.

• Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires little care beyond occasional pruning and deep watering in dry spells.

• Wildlife Friendly: Attracts birds and pollinators with its nectar-rich blooms.

Brachychiton acerifolius combines bold beauty with practical benefits, making it an ideal ornamental tree for those seeking dramatic seasonal color and structural elegance in warm-climate gardens and landscapes.