Lagunaria patersonii
Cow Itch Tree
Description
The cow itch tree is an evergreen tree growing to 30 feet tall by 20 wide. Native to Norfolk Island. Grows as an upright to rounded tree. Leaves are evergreen, simple, oval, dark green above, light gray below, about 2" long. Flowers are 1" across, hibiscus like (which means the stamens are fused into a column surrounding the stigma) pink to rose color, fading to white, produced in the summer. Fruit is a brown capsule. when open they contain very fine hairs that causing itching. Doubt they cause cows to itch.
Plant Type
Tree
Height Range
12-25', 25-40'
Flower Color
Pink
Flower Season
Summer
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Bark Color
Brown
Fruit Color
Brown
Fruit Season
Spring
Sun
Full
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Ranch, Tropical, Water Garden, Wild Garden
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers, Specimen
Seasonal Interest
Summer
Location Uses
Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Lawn, Parking Lot
Special Uses
Screen, Wind Break
Attracts Wildlife
Birds
Water Saving Tip:
Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.