Kou

Cordia subcordata

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Boraginaceae
Genus:
Cordia
Species:
Cordia subcordata

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
20-40 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug
Bloom Colors:
orange, yellow

Native Range

United States: Guam, Hawaii, Palau, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Ethmia nigroapicella

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Commonly found in coastal areas with sandy soils.

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: No pretreatment is required. However, germination can be hastened by cutting off one end of the seed capsule and soaking 12-24 hours prior to sowing.

Establishment: Seed capsules can be collected from the ground or picked from the tree once mature. Blooms throughout the year, most abundantly in the spring.

Source: npn.rngr.net