Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Leucaena

Species:

Leucaena leucocephala

USDA Symbol:

LELE10

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

2000 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

white, cream

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★★★☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, butterflies, small mammals

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously after fire; seeds are heat-tolerant and may germinate in post-fire conditions.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

well-drained, sandy to loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 8.5 (slightly acidic to alkaline)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

tolerates poor, degraded soils

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

7–21 days

Notes:

Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) to break hard seed coat; germinates readily in warm conditions.

Where to Buy

Nationwide Seller

• Sheffield's Seed (seeds)