Brazilian Ironwood Tree 25G

Brazilian Ironwood – Libidibia ferrea (25 Gallon Pot) available in Jupiter, FL.

Bring bold structure, tropical beauty, and long-lasting durability to your South Florida landscape with the Brazilian Ironwood Tree (Libidibia ferrea), a stunning ornamental known for its elegant compound leaves, striking bark, and clusters of golden-yellow flowers. Offered in a 25-gallon pot, this semi-deciduous tree is ready to become a centerpiece or functional shade element in your garden or commercial landscape.

Native to Brazil and adapted to a wide range of tropical climates, Brazilian Ironwood is a member of the Fabaceae family and belongs to the Magnoliopsida (dicot) class. It’s prized for its upright, symmetrical growth habit and its distinctive mottled trunk, which peels away to reveal smooth, multi-toned bark beneath.

Known for its dense wood and resilience to wind and salt spray, this species is an excellent choice for urban environments, coastal landscapes, and drought-prone areas—making it a strong performer in South Florida’s variable weather patterns.

Key Features:

• Botanical Name: Libidibia ferrea (formerly Caesalpinia ferrea)

• Common Names: Brazilian Ironwood, Leopard Tree, Pau-ferro

• Family: Fabaceae

• Class: Magnoliopsida

• Pot Size: 25 Gallon

• Mature Height: 30–40 feet

• Spread: 20–30 feet

• USDA Zones: 9B–11

• Foliage: Fine-textured, feathery, semi-evergreen

• Flowers: Bright yellow clusters, spring to summer

• Growth Rate: Moderate

• Bark: Mottled and ornamental

• Drought Tolerant: Yes (once established)

• Wind & Salt Tolerant: Yes

Sunlight Needs:

Performs best in full sun, though it can tolerate light, filtered shade. Full sun is recommended for optimal flower production and structural development in South Florida landscapes.

Watering Requirements:

Water regularly during the first year to establish deep roots. Once mature, the tree is highly drought-tolerant, needing only occasional watering during extended dry periods. Avoid overly saturated or compacted soil.

Soil Preferences:

Adaptable to a range of soil types including sandy, loamy, or rocky soils. Prefers well-draining soils and thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH. Works well in native South Florida sand when amended with organic matter.

Fertilization:

Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer 1–2 times per year, ideally in early spring and midsummer. Mature trees typically require little supplemental feeding if grown in healthy soil.

Pest & Disease Tips:

Generally pest-free and disease-resistant. Its hardwood nature and dense canopy help deter most common issues found in tropical ornamental trees.

Maintenance & Pruning:

Very low maintenance. Can be pruned to maintain a single trunk or allow for natural multi-trunk form. Light pruning may be done after flowering to shape or thin the canopy.

Why It Works in South Florida:

• Thrives in heat, humidity, and coastal exposure

• Provides seasonal blooms and ornamental bark

• Excellent urban tree for windbreaks, shade, or median strips

• Tolerant of poor soils, drought, and pruning

• Adds unique texture and color contrast to tropical or Mediterranean-style gardens

Jupiter Farms & Nursery