Fabaceae
Leadtree: Edible Plant
Leucaena leucocephala
Very low-maintenance plant, ideal for sunny outdoor areas. Extremely drought-resistant once established.
Every 10 days
Direct sun
15° - 38°C
30% - 80%
Categories
What is Leadtree?
Leadtree (Leucaena leucocephala) is a easy-care plant from the Fabaceae family. Leucaena leucocephala is an extremely fast-growing leguminous tree native to Mexico and Central America. It is widely recognized for its delicate, feathery foliage, white globular flowers, and long seed pods. It is a valuable pioneer species for reclaiming degraded soils due to its nitrogen-fixing a...
Leadtree grows up to 15.0m, with spread of 600cm, watering every 10 days, 15°C – 38°C, 30–80% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Leadtree tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Leadtree?
TLDR: Leadtree needs Direct sun, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between 15-38°C with 30-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Leadtree?
Keep the soil moist only during the first year. Once established, the plant can withstand long periods without water.
How Much Light Does Leadtree Need?
This species requires full sun to thrive; it does not grow well in shaded or indoor environments.
What Is the Best Soil for Leadtree?
While it tolerates poor soils, avoid excessively acidic soils (pH below 5.0) to ensure vigorous growth.
What Pot Should You Use for Leadtree?
Not recommended for long-term container growth due to its deep taproot; direct planting in the ground is preferred.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 60 days
What Is Leadtree and Where Does It Come From?
Leucaena leucocephala is an extremely fast-growing leguminous tree native to Mexico and Central America. It is widely recognized for its delicate, feathery foliage, white globular flowers, and long seed pods. It is a valuable pioneer species for reclaiming degraded soils due to its nitrogen-fixing ability, although it can become invasive in tropical climates if not properly managed.
How to Propagate Leadtree?
Sowing
- Scarification drastically increases the germination rate.
- Avoid excessively acidic soils during the seedling stage.
- 1 Scarification
Lightly sand the seed coat or soak in hot (not boiling) water for 2 minutes to break dormancy.
- 2 Planting
Sow in light soil or seedling bags at a depth of 1 to 2 cm.
- 3 Initial Watering
Keep the substrate constantly moist, but not waterlogged, until the seedlings reach 20 cm.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Leadtree Grow?
TLDR: Leadtree can reach up to 15.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
15.0m
Spread
6.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal Uses
- Use of roots as a dewormer
- Bark used to relieve inflammation
Culinary Uses
- Young pods consumed as a vegetable
- Roasted seeds used as a coffee substitute
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents resilience and the earth's capacity for regeneration.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Lily | Easy | Low light | 4d | ⚠️ |
| Swiss Cheese Plant | Easy | Partial shade | 10d | ⚠️ |
| Golden Pothos | Easy | Low light | 8d | ⚠️ |
| ZZ Plant | Easy | Low light | 18d | ⚠️ |
