Leucaena
Leucaena leucocephala
A phenomenal nitrogen-fixing fodder and biomass tree — fast, generous and endlessly coppiceable. But it's one of the world's most invasive trees and toxic to non-ruminant livestock, so handle with real care.
Leucaena in a syntropic line
Leucaena belongs in the High layer as a Secondary nitrogen-fixing biomass species. Main production and shade trees for the line. Rough in-row spacing starts around 1.3 m in a syntropic row. Good line partners include Cork oak, Fig. As a Secondary species it carries mid-term yield and structure while climax trees slowly claim the canopy.
Tolerances and growing conditions
- Strata
- High
- Lifecycle
- Secondary
- Soil preference
- Sandy, Loam, Rocky
- Soil pH range
- 5.5 – 8.5
- Min. temperature
- -2°C
- Min. rainfall
- 600 mm/year
- Wind tolerance
- Medium
- Frost tolerance
- Low
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Irrigation needed
- Low
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Waterlogging tolerance
- Medium
- Origin
- Central America
- Native to Portugal
- No
How to manage it
Very fast nitrogen-fixing fodder and biomass tree; coppice hard and often for mulch and animal feed, and remove seed pods before they scatter to limit spread.
How to propagate
Scarify seed or soak 24 hours; hardwood cuttings strike easily in warm season.
Guidance, not a guarantee — success varies by species and skill.
What to watch out for
One of the world's worst invasive trees (CABI/GISD listed) - seeds prolifically and naturalises fast. Foliage contains mimosine, toxic to non-ruminant livestock (horses, pigs, poultry). Frost-tender when young.
Frequently asked questions about Leucaena
Is leucaena frost-hardy?
Yes for winter cold in many climates — generally hardy to around -2°C when dormant, with low frost tolerance in the catalog. Flowering crops can still lose a season to late frost, so site them carefully.
What soil does leucaena need?
It does best on sandy, loam, rocky ground, at pH about 5.5–8.5.
How much water does leucaena need?
Plan for a rainfall floor around 600 mm/year, plus low irrigation once established.
Can leucaena handle wet or waterlogged soil?
It has medium waterlogging tolerance — short winter wet is usually fine, standing water is not.
What should I watch out for with leucaena?
One of the world's worst invasive trees (CABI/GISD listed) - seeds prolifically and naturalises fast. Foliage contains mimosine, toxic to non-ruminant livestock (horses, pigs, poultry). Frost-tender when young.
Design your line to see how your land fits Leucaena.
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