Pet Safe
moderate Care
ant tree
Triplaris americana
The ant tree, or Triplaris americana, is a deciduous tree native to the forests of North and South America. With its thick, yellow-green bark, compact form, and dark green compound leaves, the ant tree can grow to up to 50 feet in height. It produces small, pale yellow flowers followed by green, pouch-like fruits with three wings that appear in late spring. The tree is named for its ant-attraction properties; hundreds of ants will swarm over the tree, eating the fruits and harvesting the sap produced by Triplaris americana, which they use in their complex defenses. The unique ant-attraction of the ant tree provides the most obvious benefit to its environment.
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water Needs
high
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zone 10Zone 11Zone 12
Hardiness Map
Green areas show climates worldwide where this plant can grow.
Zone 10Zone 11Zone 12
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Water Every
7-10 days
Sun Needs
full-sun
Growth
Low
Care Level
Moderate
Season
Fall
Sep Oct Nov
Winter
Dec Jan Feb
Spring
Mar Apr May
Summer
Jun Jul Aug
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Pruning Time
How to Propagate
Air Layering Propagation
Bend stem to soil surface, cover lightly, roots form in 4-6 weeks
Grafting Propagation
Join scion to rootstock, bind securely until healed
Cutting
Take 4-6" cuttings in spring, root in water or moist soil
Seed Propagation
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date
Plant Characteristics
Drought Tolerant
Is This Plant Right for You?
Good For:
- •Forgetful waterers
- •Homes with pets
Consider Carefully:
- •Indoor growing
Bloom Seasons
Care Tips
Light Requirements
Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place in the sunniest spot in your garden.
Watering
Requires frequent watering to maintain moist soil. Don't let the soil dry out completely.