Avocado
Persea americana · Evergreen broadleaf tree, hardwood
Plant Family
Lauraceae
Tree Category
Fruit Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species / Varies by cultivar (e.g., 'Hass', 'Fuerte')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11, sensitive to frost and freezing temperatures.
About This Tree
An evergreen tree featuring a spreading, upright canopy, dense dark green foliage, and producing large, pear-shaped or oval fleshy drupes with a single large seed.
Leaf Characteristics
Alternate, simple leaves, elliptical to lanceolate in shape, 10 to 30 cm long, dark green above and paler beneath, with smooth margins.
Bark Characteristics
Grayish-brown, rough, and slightly furrowed or scaly with age.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Mesoamerica, specifically the highlands of south-central Mexico to Guatemala
Growing Season
Evergreen active growth primarily in spring and summer, flowering in early spring, and fruit maturing over several months to over a year depending on the variety.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun, well-draining soil, and regular watering during establishment. Moderate water needs overall; highly sensitive to root rot in poorly drained soils.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 30 to 65 feet in height with a similar spread, with moderate growth rate and a lifespan of decades.
Special Characteristics
Produces highly nutritious, calorie-dense edible fruit rich in healthy monounsaturated fats. Valued commercially and ornamentally.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides habitat, shelter, and nesting sites for various birds and small mammals; flowers attract pollinators like bees.