Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Leucaena

Species:

Leucaena retusa

USDA Symbol:

LERE5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

760 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

yellow

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, butterflies, bees

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from root crown following fire; typical of Texas Hill Country limestone shrublands adapted to periodic fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rocky, well-drained calcareous soil

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to arid and semi-arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

7–21 days

Notes:

Scarification of hard seed coat required; hot water treatment or mechanical scarification improves germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI