Tipuana Tipu

Tipuana tipu trees are a common sight in both commercial and residential landscapes in California.

Its heat and drought tolerance, quick growth, beautiful canopy, and yellow flowers made it a popular tree here in the Palm Springs region.

However, the tree does have some disadvantages, such as aggressive root systems and somewhat weak branches when young. Keep reading this article to learn more.

Botanical name: Tipuana tipu

Other names: Tipu tree, pride of Bolivia, rosewood, yellow jacaranda

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The tipu tree is an excellent shade tree in warm and dry regions—beautiful rounded canopy.

Grows quickly to about 40 feet tall and wide. A few of the oldest tipu trees in California are twice as tall!

Rough, dark brown bark and trunk.

Long, oval, bright, medium-green leaflets grow in pairs on a pinnate leaf. In our region, the tree is deciduous for just a short period in the winter or early spring.

Blooms bright, yellow flowers in profusion that create a yellow carpet beneath the tree in late spring.

Followed by flat, 3 inch long brown seed pods. The Tipuana tipu is part of the pea family.

Grows and establishes itself quickly.

Quick growth also entails weaker branches. Keep the tree pruned, especially when young, to create a strong trunk and branch system. The best time for heavy pruning is in the wintertime when the branches have little to no leaves.

When in bloom, it adds a cheery pop of yellow with its numerous flowers and flower litter on the ground. It attracts pollinators such as bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

Provide ample space for it to grow horizontally and vertically. If planted too closely, aggressive and extensive roots may damage sewer lines and building structures.

Nitrogen fixer. It helps to build healthy soil around the tree.

Dense wood is a good lumber material for creating small household items.

Keep young trees staked to help secure them from strong winds.

Heat and drought tolerant once mature.

Tipuana tipu is from warm regions in Bolivia.

Soil: Loose, well-draining soil that is moderately fertile.

Temperature: Can withstand temperatures down to 20 degrees for a short period. Very heat tolerant.

Water: Apply occasional, deep watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Use a moisture meter or stick your finger through the soil to gauge the moisture level. It’s better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering.

Sun: Full sun. Partial shade in the Palm Springs area is ok.

Pests: Tipuana tipu may attract the tipu psyllid, especially in coastal regions of Southern California. Psyllids drop messy, sticky honeydew on the ground, attracting ants.

Be careful not to overwater or overfertilize the tree since it could encourage more psyllids. In early spring, spray insecticidal soap or neem oil as a prevention. Repeated application is necessary to disrupt their life cycles.

Do not perform pest control when the temperatures are above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, as this can burn the plant's leaves.

Signs of overwatering: Drooping, squishy texture, weak branch growth, leaf drop

Signs of too little water: Shriveling, drying skin, leaf drop

Signs of too much sun: Burning, scarring, fading color

Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, discoloring, lack of flowers

Obtain seeds from the seed pods and plant in moist soil.

How much does a tipu tree cost?

At our nursery, a Tipuana tipu tree costs $120 for a 15-gallon container, $250 for a 24-inch box, $500 for a 30-inch box, $750 for a 36-inch box, and $2,500 for a 48-inch + box.

Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information on pricing. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.

How quickly does a tipu tree grow?

Tipu trees are prized for their ability to grow quickly. Given optimal conditions, they can grow 2-3 feet a year.

Do tipu trees have invasive roots?

Yes, tipu trees have aggressive and extensive roots that may damage sewer lines and building structures if planted too closely. Provide ample space for it to grow horizontally as well as vertically.