(This plant comes in a 3.5 inch pot. All of our plants are grown under the same conditions, although not all the plants are the same. You will receive a similar plant in size and shape to the ones in the pictures. Our plants are hand-picked and carefully selected to bring you the best quality possible. Please allow us up to 3 business days to process your order. If you wish to receive your order on a specific date, or have special instructions, please add a note at the checkout . The plant is shipped in its pot to prevent any damage to the roots).
Bursera fagaroides are commonly known as Fragrant Bursera, Elephant Tree, Fragrant Elephant Tree, or the Whitebark tree. The drought-tolerant elephant tree plant belongs to the Burseraceae family. It is a flowering plant that grows mainly in the Sonoran Desert, Mexico, and Arizona in the US. The tree is dormant for most of the year, but it grows at a fast rate as a shrub or a small tree during summers. The usual height in its native location is about 3 to 10 meters. But it can be cultivated as an elephant bonsai tree. It loves the full sun even though it is slightly frost-hardy. In late summer or early fall, the tree sprouts into creamy white flowers that grow singly or in a cluster.
Growth Rate
Whether elephant trees are indoors or outdoors, they have a fast growth rate during the growing season, mostly in summer. For the rest of the year, the tree is dormant.
Flowering
With good Bursera fagaroides care, the full-grown tree or its bonsai sprouts into small white flowers. These can grow as single flowers or in clusters. The blooming season starts in late summer and continues till early fall.
Watering and Feeding
For proper elephant tree care, water the tree infrequently as it is highly drought-tolerant.
Soil
In its natural habitat, it loves rocky as well as sandy soil and substrates. While cultivating Bursera fagaroides bonsai, remember to use a well-drained soil mix.
Hardiness
The elephant plant tree is slightly frost-hardy. The hardiness zone for best growth is 9b to 11a.
Light
Elephant trees need full sun for at least half a day for healthy growth.
Propagation
The easiest way to propagate is through elephant tree seeds. Cuttings can also be used.
The elephant tree has medicinal uses. The resin is also used for making incense, oils, and perfumes. It is also popular as the ‘Frankincense of the Americas.’ Order Bursera fagaroides for sale from Planet Desert!
| Blooming Season | Late spring/early summer |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Elephant tree |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Burseraceae |
| Flower | White |
| Frost Tolerance | Below 20 °f |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Hardiness Zone | 9b - 11 |
| Height | 1 to 5 feet |
| Origin | North america |
| Pot Size | 3.5" |
| Scientific Name | Bursera fagaroides |
| Shape | columnar |
| Sun Exposure | Sun to partial shade |
