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Brazilian Butterfly Tree

Bauhinia forficata

Design with this plant

Overview

The Brazilian Butterfly Tree, Bauhinia forficata, is a captivating, semi-deciduous tree reaching heights of 20-35 ft. Its two-lobed leaves, reminiscent of a butterfly's wings, span 4-6 inches, affording unique texture. From winter to spring, it boasts fragrant, white-pink orchid-like flowers, 3-4 inches in diameter. It requires full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in zones 9-11. This tree is a stunning focal point, offering shade and exotic allure.

Sun Full, HalfWater Extra in Summer, MediumZones 10–10Climate Subtropical

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Extra in Summer, Medium
USDA zones
10–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Fabaceae
Climate
Subtropical

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Photos (30)

Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — semi-deciduous tree reaching heights of 20-35 ft
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — Its two-lobed leaves, reminiscent of a butterfly's wings, span 4-6 inches, affording unique texture
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — From winter to spring, it boasts fragrant, white-pink orchid-like flowers, 3-4 inches in diameter
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — It requires full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in zones 9-11
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — This tree is a stunning focal point, offering shade and exotic allure
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — scientifically named Bauhinia forficata
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — is a captivating and versatile ornamental specimen ideal for creating visually engaging gardens
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — this tree typically reaches a height of 20 to 35 feet with an equal spread
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — providing a rounded canopy that offers dappled shade beneath
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — Its most distinctive feature is the two-lobed
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — which resemble the wings of a butterfly
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — ranging in size from 4 to 6 inches across.<br><br>In late winter to early spring
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — the Brazilian Butterfly Tree bursts into a stunning display of fragrant
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — Each bloom measures about 3 to 4 inches in diameter and is characterized by its five-petaled
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — often attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the landscape
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — The blossoms give way to 6 to 12-inch long seed pods
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — which add an additional textural element.<br><br>Preferring full sun to partial shade
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — Bauhinia forficata requires well-draining soil and moderate water
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — making it relatively drought-tolerant once established
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — It is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11 and thrives in temperate climates
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — though young trees may necessitate frost protection.<br><br>When incorporating into landscape designs
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — consider using Bauhinia forficata as a stand-alone specimen or in small groupings
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — Its manageable size and low maintenance needs make it an excellent choice for residential gardens
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — white flowers in the garden

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