Bignoniaceae
Sierra Golden Trumpet Tree (Handroanthus albus)
Handroanthus albus
Requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light daily) and deep, fertile, well-draining soil. Keep soil lightly moist during the establishment years, avoiding waterlogging. Growth is moderate, and mature trees tolerate poor soils, but the species is sensitive to severe frost and salty coastal winds. Pruning is not recommended, as it can make the tree more susceptible to pests and disease.
Every 14 days
Direct sun
0° - 35°C
% - %
Categories
What is Sierra Golden Trumpet Tree?
Sierra Golden Trumpet Tree (Handroanthus albus) is a medium-care plant from the Bignoniaceae family. The sierra golden trumpet tree (Handroanthus albus), family Bignoniaceae, is a deciduous tree native to the Cerrado of Brazil and adjacent areas of Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia. It grows 20-30 m tall with a trunk 40-60 cm in diameter. Despite the species epithet 'albus' (white), the flowers are y...
Sierra Golden Trumpet Tree grows up to 30.0m, watering every 14 days, 0°C – 35°C. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Sierra Golden Trumpet Tree is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Sierra Golden Trumpet Tree?
TLDR: Sierra Golden Trumpet Tree needs Direct sun, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between 0-35°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Sierra Golden Trumpet Tree?
Water regularly during the first years of establishment, keeping soil lightly moist without waterlogging. Mature trees are fairly drought-tolerant and rely mainly on rainfall.
How Much Light Does Sierra Golden Trumpet Tree Need?
Needs full sun - at least 6 hours of direct light per day - for healthy growth and abundant flowering.
What Is the Best Soil for Sierra Golden Trumpet Tree?
Prefers deep, fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Sandy-clay soils with good moisture retention are ideal; avoid waterlogged conditions.
What Pot Should You Use for Sierra Golden Trumpet Tree?
Not suited to permanent container growing - this is a large tree (20-30 m) meant for direct planting in open ground, gardens, plazas, or urban street planting.
What Is Sierra Golden Trumpet Tree and Where Does It Come From?
The sierra golden trumpet tree (Handroanthus albus), family Bignoniaceae, is a deciduous tree native to the Cerrado of Brazil and adjacent areas of Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia. It grows 20-30 m tall with a trunk 40-60 cm in diameter. Despite the species epithet 'albus' (white), the flowers are yellow - the name instead refers to the whitish pubescence on new twigs and the underside of the leaves. Flowering occurs in late winter to early spring (August-September), before new leaves emerge, covering the crown in bright yellow trumpet-shaped blooms.
How to Propagate Sierra Golden Trumpet Tree?
Seed propagation
Germination rate exceeds 80% with fresh seed; avoid long storage.
- 1 Sow seeds as soon as they ripen, since viability drops after less than 4 months in storage
- 2 Use a light potting mix in a partially shaded nursery bed
- 3 Keep the substrate moist until germination
- 4 Pot seedlings individually once they reach 4-6 cm tall
- 5 Transplant to the final planting site after about 6 months in the nursery
Materials needed:
How Big Does Sierra Golden Trumpet Tree Grow?
TLDR: Sierra Golden Trumpet Tree can reach up to 30.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
30.0m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
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
- Inner bark infusion traditionally used as a diuretic
- Astringent leaves traditionally used for inflammation of the nose, throat and respiratory passages
- Bark compounds with astringent and anti-inflammatory properties used topically for wounds and skin conditions
Culinary Uses
- Flowers are edible raw and rich in nectar
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Sierra Golden Trumpet Tree?
TLDR: Sierra Golden Trumpet Tree is susceptible to 3 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by fungi in the genus Colletotrichum that affects many plants, including vegetables, fruits, and trees. The disease thrives in cool, wet conditions, causing dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Fun Facts
The species epithet "albus" (white) refers to the whitish pubescence on young branches and leaf undersides, not flower color, which is yellow
It has dozens of regional common names in Brazil, including ipe-amarelo, ipe-branco, ipe-do-cerrado and ipe-dourado
Flowering happens before new leaves emerge, covering the entire crown in yellow blooms
In Argentina and Paraguay it is known as "lapacho amarillo" or "tajy sayju"
Frequently asked questions
Does this tree have white flowers?
How long does it take to flower?
Is this tree suitable for pots?
What pests and diseases affect it?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
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Sources & References
- Handroanthus albus (Cham.) Mattos - Plants of the World Online (Kew)
- Handroanthus albus - Wikipedia (EN)
- Handroanthus albus - Wikipedia (PT)
- Ipe-amarelo - Handroanthus albus - Jardineiro.net
- Handroanthus albus - Useful Tropical Plants
- Handroanthus albus (lapacho amarillo) - SIB Parques Nacionales Argentina
