Araucaria araucana

Monkey Puzzle

A dramatic, ancient evergreen conifer famous for its bold, geometric branching and stiff, triangular, spiny leaves that completely cover the branches. Instantly recognizable and architectural, it serves as a striking specimen tree in mild climates.

Key features



Width: 20–30 ft



Height: 60–80 ft (occasionally taller in ideal conditions)



Foliage: Dark green, rigid, triangular leaves; very sharp



Form: Upright, pyramidal when young; open, tiered branching with age



Growth rate: Slow to moderate



Life cycle: Evergreen conifer (dioecious: male and female plants separate)



Growing conditions



Sun: Full sun



Soil: Well-drained; prefers fertile, slightly acidic soils



Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established



Hardiness: USDA Zones 7–10 (best in cool-summer, mild-winter climates)



Landscape use



Specimen or focal tree



Large lawns, parks, and estates



Botanical and collector gardens



Architectural landscapes



Notes



Native to Chile and Argentina



Leaves are extremely sharp—not suitable near walkways



Female trees may produce large cones with edible seeds after maturity



Tolerates wind and coastal conditions once established



Long-lived and slow to mature



 

Plant type

Evergreen Tree

Height

60-80'

Width

20-30'

Hardiness zones

7–10

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Pyramidal

Bark

Fissured

Fruit

Yes

Drought tolerant

No