Tree
Tipu Tree
Tipuana tipu · Fabaceae
Also called: Tipa, Rosewood, Pride of Bolivia
Tipu Tree (Tipuana tipu) is a moderate-water tree well suited to Tucson and the low desert. It thrives in full sun, with a fast growth rate.
Tipu Tree at a glance
- Water use
- Moderate (established)
- Sun
- Full sun.
- Mature size
- 25-40 ft tall and equally wide (umbrella-shaped canopy)
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Bloom
- Apricot-yellow to golden sweet-pea-shaped flowers, Late spring to summer (May-July)
- Cold hardiness
- Frost sensitive; hardy only to about 25°F. Below that, winter leaf drop occurs first, then branch and trunk dieback. Marginal in colder Tucson microclimates; protect young trees and site in warm, frost-protected spots.
- Soil
- Prefers deep, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of desert soils but does best with room for its large, aggressive root system.
- Native range
- Bolivia, northern Argentina, and southern Brazil (subtropical South America)
- Best used as
- Fast shade tree, Large lawn/park specimen, Patio shade (with caution)
- Wildlife
- Showy flowers attract bees and other pollinators; canopy provides bird habitat.
- Toxicity
- Not known to be significantly toxic to people or pets; low concern.
How to grow Tipu Tree in Tucson & the low desert
Watering
Needs regular deep irrigation to establish and to look its best in the low desert; deep water every 7-14 days in summer heat, reducing to every 3-4 weeks in cooler months. More drought tolerant once established but performs poorly under severe drought.
Fertilizer & nutrients
As a legume it fixes some nitrogen; apply a light balanced or slow-release fertilizer in spring to support fast growth. Watch for iron chlorosis in alkaline soil and treat with chelated iron if needed.
Pruning & care
Requires structural pruning in the first years to correct narrow/co-dominant crotches and brittle limbs; thin the canopy in late winter to reduce wind/storm breakage. Stake young trees.
Notes
Popular fast-growing shade tree, but plant with caution: aggressive surface roots can lift sidewalks, patios, and pipes (keep well away from hardscape and foundations), wood is brittle and storm-prone, it drops winged seed pods and litter, and it is frost-tender. The tipu psyllid pest can also cause sticky honeydew. Plant in spring after frost danger passes.
Sources: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension; Arizona State University (Virtual Library of Phoenix Landscape Plants); UC Center for Invasive Species Research (tipu psyllid)