Monkey Puzzle Tree – Araucaria Auracana – 5 Gallon Pot

Having survived unchanged for over 200 million years, the Monkey Puzzle is a living relic and is possibly the oldest living tree species on Earth. The tree can live well beyond a thousand years. Native to Chile and Argentina, this unique and attractive evergreen conifer has upward swaying horizontal branches that twist like a monkey’s tail and are covered densely with dark green, leathery, triangular leaves (up to 1.5 inches long). In its native habitat of Chile, the Monkey Puzzle Tree (aka Chilean Pine) typically grows to heights of 100 to 130 feet, however, here in the United States it matures at around 30 to 40 feet maintaining a pyramidal form with no pruning necessary. A truly magnificent tree in the landscape, Monkey Puzzle is sure to catch the eye of every passerby!

Growing 30 to 40 feet tall and 20 feet or so wide over time, the Monkey Puzzle Tree is ideal for use as a focal point specimen in sunny open areas or to frame the corners of tall homes or other buildings. It can also be planted in groupings or straight or staggered rows to form a semi-private border or line a driveway or street or delineate a property line. A fine addition to rock gardens, conifer gardens, wildlife gardens, and Xeriscape gardens (low water needs).

The Monkey Puzzle Tree is very easy to grow in most any average soil that is well-drained and full to mostly sun. Standing water or constantly soggy or wet soil can be problematic. Maintenance is minimal with no pruning required. That said, lower branches can be removed for mower or other vehicle clearance, or so people can walk beneath the canopy. Exceptionally drought tolerant when established. We’ve seen no serious insect or disease problems.