Plant Details
Araucaria araucana
Width: Minimum 20 feet , Maximum 30 feet
An evergreen, pyramid-shaped tree, that slowly grows to around 80’ tall and reaches 20-30’ wide. Trunk circumference can reach 3-6 feet at maturity. The most distinguishing feature of the monkey puzzle tree is its dark green, glossy, stiff leaves with spiny tips (leaves). These spiny leaves completely cover each branch, closely overlapping one another. Branches are produced in tiers as the plant grows in height, with relatively few side branches. Mature trees are graceful and pendulous. Female cones are globular and can reach up to 20-25cm in diameter; male cones are cylindrical reaching up to 15-20cm long. Trees rarely have cones of both sex, it is typically one or the other.
Aptly named ‘monkey puzzle’ as it is thought the task of climbing the tree would puzzle a monkey because of its spiny leaves and sharp branches.
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5 Nurseries Carry This Plant:
| Name | City/State | Phone | Prod Type | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Granstrom Nursery | Troutdale, OR | Email now | 503-666-7896 | BB: X | |
| KG Farms Inc. | Woodburn, OR | Email now | 503-678-3245 | BB: 1 |
|
| Patterson Nursery Sales Inc. | Eagle Creek, OR | Email now | 503-668-6000 | BB: X Container: X | |
| Peace of Mind Nursery Inc. | West Linn, OR | Email now | 503-949-4944 | Container: 1 | |
| Verna Jean Nursery | Gresham, OR | Email now | 503-663-4486 | BB: 1 Container: 1 Liner: 3 Seedling: 3 |
Comments
Submitted by Elk Pass Nursery on 4/28/2014 9:55 AM
We have field grown this tree in Boring, Oregon for 15 years in full sun with splendid results. When this tree fails, it is almost always because it has been planted in a low spot/is in standing water over the winter. Cold winter weather can cause damage to immature trees and the lower branches of mature trees. Elk Pass Nursery
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Submitted by Ref: Plantlust.com on 11/8/2012 4:20 PM
A heritage tree, given away as seedlings by the Chilean exhibition at Portland, Oregon's 1905 World's Fair and planted throughout the city. A coniferous evergeen growing slowly to a stately 30 ft tall x 15-20 ft wide or so in cultivation the crown rounding in maturity. Leaves are tough, dark-green, sharp-pointed, and triangular. Specimens should be carefully placed not to compete with other trees and to avoid nearby pathways as the 15 lb cones can maim! Full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil with regular summer water. Cold hardy to USDA zone 7.
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Submitted by Ref: Plantlust.com on 11/8/2012 4:20 PM
The unusual Monkey Puzzle Tree eventually becomes a large tree to 70' or more. Long, narrow branches are densely covered with sharply pointed, rigid dark green leaves. Your cat better not get stuck up this tree! Heavy, spiny cones take three years to mature. Hardiest of the Araucarias, this native of Chile thrives in loamy soil and plenty of moisture.
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Submitted by Ref: Plantlust.com on 11/8/2012 4:20 PM
Long, spidery branches (or monkey tails?!) covered with densely-overlapping sharply-pointed leaves give this med-lg tree a unique look. These are grown from seed, so their gender is not known yet. Sun/Med/Good Drainage
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Submitted by Ref: Plantlust.com on 11/8/2012 4:20 PM
Native to Chile. Spreading, arched, rope-like branches with sharp, pointed, dark green leaves.
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