Leucaena

Leucaena leucocephala

Fast-growing tropical legume tree used widely as livestock fodder, firewood, and a nitrogen-fixing nurse plant. Coppices reliably.

Hardiness ratings

Leucaena hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 9–12 −6.7 °C to 15.6 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H3 −5 °C to 1 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 9 −1 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 5–7 5 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Listed as invasive in tropical Queensland and across many Pacific Islands — check biosecurity regulations before planting
  • Contains mimosine which is toxic to non-ruminant animals; ruminants tolerate small amounts
  • Coppices well — cut for fodder, mulch, or firewood

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Leucaena against your zones

Reference

Leucaena on Wikipedia