Carrotwood Tree: Why This Non-Native Should Stay Out of Your Garden
If you’ve been considering adding a carrotwood tree (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) to your landscape, you might want to think twice. While this Australian native might look appealing with its glossy leaves and colorful fruit, it’s actually an invasive species that’s causing problems in Florida’s natural areas.
What is Carrotwood?
Carrotwood is a medium-sized evergreen tree that originally hails from eastern Australia. It’s a perennial, woody plant that typically grows with a single trunk and can reach impressive heights of 30-40 feet, with a spread of 25-30 feet. The tree gets its quirky name from its orange, carrot-colored fruit capsules that appear after small clusters of greenish-yellow flowers bloom.
Where You’ll Find It (And Why That’s a Problem)
Currently, carrotwood has established itself throughout Florida, where it reproduces spontaneously in the wild without any human help. This might sound harmless, but it’s actually a red flag that signals invasive behavior.
The Invasive Issue
Here’s where things get serious: carrotwood is considered an invasive species in Florida. This means it’s not just growing wild—it’s actively pushing out native plants and disrupting local ecosystems. When non-native plants like carrotwood take over, they can:
- Outcompete native trees for space, sunlight, and nutrients
- Reduce biodiversity in natural areas
- Alter soil chemistry and habitat structure
- Provide little to no benefit for native wildlife and pollinators
Why Gardeners Initially Liked It
It’s easy to see why carrotwood initially caught the attention of landscapers and gardeners. The tree offers several appealing characteristics:
- Evergreen foliage that stays attractive year-round
- Glossy, pinnate leaves that create nice texture
- Tolerance for various soil types
- Drought tolerance once established
- Relatively low maintenance requirements
- Ability to thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9-11
Our Recommendation: Skip the Carrotwood
Given its invasive status in Florida, we strongly recommend against planting carrotwood in your landscape. Even if you think you can control it, seeds can spread to natural areas through birds and other wildlife, contributing to the invasion problem.
Better Native Alternatives
Instead of carrotwood, consider these fantastic native alternatives that will provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems:
- Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) – A magnificent shade tree that supports hundreds of native species
- Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) – Evergreen with stunning white flowers and glossy leaves
- Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) – Unique texture and excellent for wet areas
- Red Maple (Acer rubrum) – Beautiful fall color and adaptable to various conditions
The Bottom Line
While carrotwood might seem like an attractive, low-maintenance tree option, its invasive nature makes it a poor choice for responsible gardeners. By choosing native alternatives instead, you’ll create a landscape that’s not only beautiful but also supports local wildlife, requires less water and maintenance, and helps preserve Florida’s unique natural heritage.
Remember, every plant choice we make in our gardens has an impact that extends far beyond our property lines. Let’s make choices that benefit both our landscapes and our local ecosystems!
