Neem Tree
Azadirachta indica · Evergreen, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Meliaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Street Tree, Medicinal
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species type, no specific prominent horticultural cultivar identified
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 through 12, highly sensitive to frost and freezing temperatures
About This Tree
A fast-growing, medium to large tree with a rounded to somewhat spreading crown, dense foliage, and characteristic furrowed dark grey bark that frequently exudes clear amber resin droplets from wounds or natural exudation sites
Leaf Characteristics
Alternate, pinnate leaves ranging from 20 to 40 cm long, with 8 to 18 dark green, asymmetrical, lanceolate leaflets featuring sharply serrated margins and an acute apex
Bark Characteristics
Rough, thick, and dark greyish-brown to blackish with longitudinal furrows and scaly plates; prone to exuding a sticky, translucent amber-colored gum resin when damaged or stressed
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the Indian subcontinent and dry tropical regions of South Asia; widely naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide
Growing Season
Evergreen with active growth year-round in tropical climates, flowering typically from January to April, and fruiting from June to August; enters minimal dormancy only in cooler subtropical edges
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun; highly drought-tolerant once established and prefers well-drained soils, intolerant of waterlogged conditions
Mature Size
Reaches a mature height of 15 to 20 meters with a broad canopy spread of 10 to 15 meters; fast-growing with a lifespan of up to 150-200 years
Special Characteristics
Extremely drought-resistant, highly valued for its natural biopesticide compound (azadirachtin) found in its seeds and leaves, durable hardwood timber, and extensive use in traditional medicine
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides dense nesting cover and shade for various bird species; flowers attract numerous pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while the fruits are consumed by fruit-eating bats and birds