Avocado
Persea americana · Evergreen, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Lauraceae
Tree Category
Fruit Tree, Shade Tree, Tropical
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species seedling (such as 'Hass' or 'Fuerte' depending on cultivation)
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11, sensitive to frost and freezing temperatures which can damage flowers and fruit
About This Tree
An evergreen tree with a dense, spreading or upright canopy, glossy foliage, and capable of producing large, nutrient-rich single-seeded berries (avocados); young stems often show distinct reddish-bronze tones before maturing to deep green
Leaf Characteristics
Alternate, simple leaves, elliptic to lanceolate in shape, typically 10-25 cm long, with entire margins, prominent venation, glossy dark green upper surfaces, and a lighter underside; young flushing leaves exhibit a reddish or bronze hue
Bark Characteristics
Grayish-brown to dark brown bark that becomes rough, vertically fissured, and somewhat scaly with age
Growing Information
Origin Region
Mesoamerica, originating from the highlands of central Mexico to Guatemala
Growing Season
Evergreen with active growth in spring and summer; small yellowish-green flowers appear in spring before or during new leaf emergence; fruit development takes several months depending on the cultivar
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun for optimal fruit production; needs regular, deep watering during the establishment phase and prolonged dry spells, preferring well-draining soils and lacking tolerance for standing water
Mature Size
Typically reaches 20 to 40 feet in height with an equal or slightly narrower spread, featuring a moderate to fast growth rate and a lifespan of 50 years or more
Special Characteristics
Valued heavily for its edible, nutrient-dense fruit rich in healthy monounsaturated fats; highly ornamental glossy foliage; sensitive to root rot (Phytophthora cinnamomi) in poorly drained soils
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides dense nesting cover and habitat for various birds and arboreal wildlife; flowers attract numerous pollinators such as bees and wasps; fallen fruit can be consumed by local mammals