Family: Bignoniaceae

Pau d’arco is a stunning tree that produces a lovely canopy of purple blooms. A sturdy tree once established that is very eye-catching. It is suitable for school or park plantings, as well as landscaping.

Pau d’arco leaves are shed before flowering, making a striking display. Flower color can vary from white to pink to purple.

Plant Uses:

• Ornamental
• Shade
• Specimen

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m
  
• Naturalized in New South Wales, Australia
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Produces wind-dispersed seeds
  
• Able to spread by root suckers
  
• Able to coppice and resprout after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• One record of naturalization, but no reports of invasiveness worldwide
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Requires full sun
  
• Self-incompatible
  
• Wind-dispersed seeds relatively large, and unlikely to be accidentally dispersed
  
• Seeds lose viability after 6 months under natural conditions