Silver tree

Leucadendron argenteum

Iconic Cape Town endemic tree with leaves covered in dense silver hairs that catch the wind beautifully. Restricted in the wild to the granite slopes of Table Mountain and a few nearby peaks.

Hardiness ratings

Silver tree hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 9–10 −6.7 °C to 4.4 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H2 1 °C to 5 °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 4–5 0 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Native exclusively to the Cape Peninsula of South Africa — IUCN listed as Endangered in the wild, restricted to a tiny native range
  • WARNING: Phosphorus sensitive — never use phosphate fertilisers
  • Short-lived (20–30 years) and demanding — needs sharp drainage and the Cape Mediterranean climate, struggles in summer-rainfall regions
  • Separate male and female plants — both needed for seed

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Silver tree against your zones

Reference

Silver tree on Wikipedia