Lead tree
Leucaena leucocephala · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around lead tree and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Leucaena leucocephala
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Form
- Tree
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring to summer, white pompom-shaped flowers
- Mature size
- 6 to 10 m in height
- Growth rate
- Very fast
- Hardiness
- Tropical and subtropical (freezes below 0°C)
- Origin
- Mexico, Central America
- Soil type
- Well-draining, tolerates poor soils
Care
Watering
Water regularly during growth, especially in dry periods. Once established, this tree tolerates drought well thanks to its deep root system. Reduce watering in winter if the plant is in a pot. Avoid waterlogging which promotes rot.
Light exposure
Place the tree in full sun for optimal growth and generous flowering. This sun-loving tree can tolerate light partial shade but prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In very hot regions, light afternoon shade can reduce water stress.
Soil and drainage
Leucaena leucocephala adapts to many soil types, even poor or acidic ones. Prepare well-draining soil for planting in a pot or in the ground. Adding compost or organic matter at planting time improves initial root establishment.
Pruning and training
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage branching. Remove dead or poorly oriented branches. A young tree can be topped to encourage bushy growth. Pruning is not essential if the tree has sufficient space.
Fertilizing
As a member of the Fabaceae family, this tree fixes atmospheric nitrogen through its roots. Moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring and early summer is sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which could reduce flowering.
Diseases and pests
Leucaena leucocephala is generally hardy against pests and diseases. Excess moisture or poor drainage can promote root rot. Watch for scale insects or spider mites in indoor or greenhouse cultivation, and intervene early if problems occur.
Did you know?
Leucaena leucocephala is called the 'poor man's tree' in Africa and South Asia, because its exceptionally fast growth rate, ability to enrich soils with nitrogen, and the nutritional quality of its pods make it invaluable for agroforestry and food security. In Hawaii and Australia, it has become invasive and poses major ecological challenges, showing the ambivalent impact of this species depending on the context.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Chinese wisteriaWisteria sinensis
- Common broomCytisus scoparius
- Black locustRobinia pseudoacacia
- Common PeaLathyrus oleraceus
- Honey locustGleditsia triacanthos
- Hairy greenweedGenista pilosa
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.