Skip to content

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 10–10Type TreeClimate Subtropical

Culture

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

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Tree
Family
Fabaceae
Climate
Subtropical

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (50)

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) — 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) — Its two-lobed leaves, reminiscent of a butterfly's wings, span 4-6 inches, affording unique texture
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — which resemble the wings of a butterfly
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — It requires full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in zones 9-11
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — Its most distinctive feature is the two-lobed
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — the Brazilian Butterfly Tree bursts into a stunning display of fragrant
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) — this tree typically reaches a height of 20 to 35 feet with an equal spread
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) — semi-deciduous tree reaching heights of 20-35 ft
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — providing a rounded canopy that offers dappled shade beneath
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) — It is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11 and thrives in temperate climates
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — The blossoms give way to 6 to 12-inch long seed pods
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — From winter to spring, it boasts fragrant, white-pink orchid-like flowers, 3-4 inches in diameter; bauhinia
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — often attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the landscape
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — white flowers in the garden
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — making it relatively drought-tolerant once established
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — which add an additional textural element.<br><br>Preferring full sun to partial shade
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — Its two-lobed leaves, reminiscent of a butterfly's wings, span 4-6 inches, affording unique texture; which
Brazilian Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia forficata) — It requires full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in zones 9-11; tree with white blooms
Photographs by 10 contributors

Related plants