General Plant Information (Edit)
Plant Habit: Cactus/Succulent
Life cycle: Perennial
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 9b -3.9 °C (25 °F) to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
Plant Height: Up to 6 feet
Leaves: Deciduous
Fruit: Dehiscent
Flower Color: Yellow
Flower Time: Late spring or early summer
Summer
Suitable Locations: Xeriscapic
Wildlife Attractant: Bees
Resistances: Drought tolerant
Toxicity: Other: Stem is poisonous to livestock
Containers: Needs excellent drainage in pots
Miscellaneous: Tolerates poor soil
Goes Dormant

Image
Common names
  • Butter Tree

Photo Gallery
Location: Baja California
Date: 2023-11-27
Rooted cutting, fall growth
Location: Baja California
Date: 2018-10-12
Leafing out in early fall
Location: Baja California
Date: 2021-06-30
Location: Baja California
Date: 2020-01-16
Dry peduncles from previous years still visible

Date: 2016-10-27
young Tylecodon paniculatus. "Bark" will peel as it ages giving a

Date: 2016-10-27
"Canopy" of a very young Tylecodon paniculatus.
Comments:
  • Posted by Baja_Costero (Baja California - Zone 11b) on Mar 15, 2018 1:24 PM concerning plant:
    Chunky, branching caudiciform shrub with summer-deciduous green leaves and bell-like flowers. One of the more common Tylecodons in cultivation. Provide strong light and regular water during the growing period when the plant is in leaf (fall though spring). Do not overwater during dormancy (occasional summer water is fine). This succulent is from dry western, winter-rainfall areas of South Africa and Namibia and is an excellent low-maintenance choice for dry Mediterranean climates like coastal Southern California.

    Fastest growth is observed in the ground. This plant will not reach anywhere near its full potential size of about 6 feet in a container. Growth will be especially slow when plants are kept constrained in small pots. However, this Tylecodon looks great as a bonsai, after being grown to size elsewhere and then staged for presentation.

    Best form in full sun. Requires excellent drainage. May benefit from pruning to induce branching and encourage broader growth. May be self fertile. Seeds are very small and young seedlings require protection for some time after germination. Propagate from cuttings in the fall.

    Poisonous to livestock. Handle with care.

« Add a new plant to the database

« The Plants Database Front Page