Family: Fabaceae

A small, flowering tree that has a spreading crown. A ‘handkerchief tree,’ Ashoka is prized for the way the leaves hang. Like a Victorian lady holding a handkerchief, the new growth hangs limp and is reddish/pinkish in color. Orange and yellow flowers are born off the tunk and from within the canopy.  Fragrant flowers are produced throughout most of the year.

A low maintenance tree when grown on the windward side. It needs protection from strong sun and wind.

Native to India and western Myanmar, Ashoka is critical herbal medicine in Ayurveda. The tree is considered to be very spiritual and is often planted around Buddhist and Hindu temples. It is said that Buddha was born under this attractive tree. The common name, Asoka, means ‘sorrowless’ or ‘remover of sorrow’ in Sanskrit. The ashoka tree is a symbol of love.

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Cultural significance
• Fragrant
• Hedge
• Medicinal
• Nitrogen fixer
• Ornamental
• Privacy / screening
• Specimen

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate tolerance (elevation 150–1400 m, various rainfall regimes)
  
• Native to tropical/subtropical regions
  
• Widely introduced as an ornamental/sacred tree
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Forms dense thickets
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Intentionally dispersed by people
  
• Water-dispersed (riparian habitat)
  
• Coppices well (regenerates after cutting)

Low Risk Traits:

• No known naturalization outside native range
  
• Not recorded as a weed anywhere
  
• No weedy congeners
  
• Lacks spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Non-toxic to animals or humans
  
• No fire hazard
  
• Narrow soil tolerance (prefers specific, well-drained soils)
  
• Takes 4–6 years to reach maturity
  
• No unintentional dispersal (large seeds/pods)
  
• Not wind- or bird-dispersed
  
• Recalcitrant seeds (no persistent seed bank)