Monkey Puzzle Tree

Araucaria araucana

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 7a-10b Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Coniferous Evergreen Tree

Height at Maturity: 30-40′

Width at Maturity: 15-20′ at base
Spacing: 30’+ for space between plants

Growth Habit / Form: Upright pyramidal

Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate. Grows faster with age

Foliage Color: Deep Green

Fragrant Foliage: No

Sun Needs: Full Sun or Mostly Sun

Water Needs: Average, low when established

Soil Type: Clay, Loam, Sand, Silt

Soil Drainage: Well Drained

Soil pH: 5.5 – 7.5 (Acid to Moderately Alkaline)

Maintenance / Care: Very Low

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Deer, Disease, Drought, Dry Soil, Insect

Description

Having survived unchanged for over 200 million years, the Monkey Puzzle is a living relic and is possibly the oldest living tree species on Earth. The tree can live well beyond a thousand years. Native to Chile and Argentina, this unique and attractive evergreen conifer has upward swaying horizontal branches that twist like a monkey’s tail and are covered densely with dark green, leathery, triangular leaves (up to 1.5 inches long). In its native habitat of Chile, the Monkey Puzzle Tree (aka Chilean Pine) typically grows to heights of 100 to 130 feet, however, here in the United States it matures at around 30 to 40 feet maintaining a pyramidal form with no pruning necessary. A truly magnificent tree in the landscape, Monkey Puzzle is sure to catch the eye of every passerby!

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing 30 to 40 feet tall and 20 feet or so wide over time, the Monkey Puzzle Tree is ideal for use as a focal point specimen in sunny open areas or to frame the corners of tall homes or other buildings. It can also be planted in groupings or straight or staggered rows to form a semi-private border or line a driveway or street or delineate a property line. A fine addition to rock gardens, conifer gardens, wildlife gardens, and Xeriscape gardens (low water needs).

Growing Preferences

The Monkey Puzzle Tree is very easy to grow in most any average soil that is well-drained and full to mostly sun. Standing water or constantly soggy or wet soil can be problematic. Maintenance is minimal with no pruning required. That said, lower branches can be removed for mower or other vehicle clearance, or so people can walk beneath the canopy. Exceptionally drought tolerant when established. We’ve seen no serious insect or disease problems.

Plant Long & Prosper!

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I purchased a 3 gallon monkey puzzle tree as a gift for my husband. It arrived quickly and in beautiful condition.——————————————–Thanks for the kind words and wonderful review! We are so glad you are pleased and we hope he enjoys it for years to come! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

We live in Nebraska and could not find a Monkey Puzzle Tree anywhere near us (nurseries said they couldn’t order them). But we found one at Wilson Bros and they shipped it to us. The tree arrived healthy and happy and is now thriving in a pot on our balcony. I will definitely order from Wilson Bros. again. Great service, terrific products, and a family business. Five stars!—————————————We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy your purchase for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and wonderful review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

I am madly obsessed with this tree. If you have ever seen the 1947 film “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir” with Rex Harrison & Gene Tierney, you have been made aware of this tree. It is one of my top 5 films of all time and now that I have bought my forever home, I HAD to have this tree. It is a stunning plant, fascinating in how different it is from so many other plants – truly unique! A healthy, thriving beautiful plant arrived and I am thrilled. (I have purchased Monkey Puzzles from other sellers and they are not healthy plants. Wilson Bros. ARE!) SO thrilled you have the large 3 gallon available!! I built a very special accent spot just to show it off.——————————————-Love that movie and that tree. Thanks for the photo! Thanks for the kind words and wonderful review! We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

Plant was well-packaged for transit and in good shape upon arrival. Order was quickly processed and fulfilled; and Wilson Bros provided good updates and a tracking link.———————————————————-Thanks for the great review! We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

Arrived in great condition much larger than expected so happy with this purchase!—————————————————————Thanks for the photo! Thanks for the kind words and wonderful review! We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG