Brisbane tree guide

Kurrajong

Brachychiton populneus · also called Black kurrajong

The kurrajong is a hardy native shade tree with a dense, rounded crown of glossy, poplar-like leaves. It grows naturally from Victoria to north Queensland, including the ranges around Brisbane, and farmers have long kept it in paddocks for shade and as drought fodder. It handles dry conditions well, but its deep roots, woody pods and irritating seed hairs mean it needs a spot well away from drains and paths.

Native to South East Queensland
6 to 20 m tall

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Kurrajong, from Wikimedia Commons — Photo: Philmarin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Kurrajong at a glance

Height: 6 to 20 m
Spread: 3 to 6 m
Growth: Slow
Leaves: Evergreen
Flowers: Small and easy to miss
Roots: Aggressive
Origin: Eastern Australia, from north-eastern Victoria to Townsville and from the coast to semi-arid inland country
Family: Malvaceae

How to identify a kurrajong

Kurrajong has a stout grey trunk and a dense, rounded crown of shiny green leaves on long stalks. Most adult leaves are plain and poplar-like, 5 to 10 cm long, while young plants often have leaves with 3 to 5 narrow lobes, and new growth can be tinged pink. In spring and summer, small bell-shaped flowers appear, creamy white outside and speckled red or purple inside. Woody, boat-shaped pods up to 7 cm long follow, packed with seeds like corn kernels. Kurrajong-type trees with pink or red flowers are garden hybrids, including crosses with the Illawarra flame tree.

Growing a kurrajong in Brisbane

Kurrajong is a local native. Herbarium collections record it in the D'Aguilar and Enoggera ranges and at Flinders Peak, and across its range it favours well-drained soils, often around rocky outcrops. It copes with dry conditions, most soil types and moderate frost, and grows in full sun or part shade. It is widely planted as a street and shade tree in Australia, but at up to 20 metres, with deep roots, it is better suited to a large block than a small backyard.

What to watch out for

Kurrajong roots go deep, and the Australian National Botanic Gardens warns they can clog drains, so keep the tree well away from sewer lines and stormwater pipes. The large woody pods can be a nuisance where they drop, and the fine hairs around the seeds irritate skin and eyes, so handle pods with gloves. Livestock may become ill from eating the fruit, although the leaves are a recognised drought fodder. It isn't on Brisbane City Council's weed list.

Irritant sap or hairs. Fine hairs around the seeds inside the pods can irritate skin and eyes, so wear gloves when handling pods.
Mess. The large woody pods drop and can be a nuisance on lawns, paths and driveways.
Poisonous parts. Livestock may become ill from eating the fruit, although the leaves are a well-known drought fodder.

Pruning and care

Kurrajongs are tough once established and need little extra water. Saplings can grow very slowly, but loosening the soil, watering and regular care speed them up. Prune only to remove dead, damaged or crossing branches, or to lift the canopy for clearance, cutting cleanly just outside the branch collar. Wear gloves when collecting pods, as the seed hairs irritate skin and eyes. Large limbs, or any work near power lines, are a job for a qualified arborist.

Kurrajong: your questions

Short answers, from the sources below.

Back to the tree guide

Are kurrajong roots invasive?

They can cause problems. The Australian National Botanic Gardens and the Australian Plants Society both note that kurrajong's deep roots can clog drains, so plant it well clear of pipes.

Are kurrajong seed pods dangerous?

The seeds sit among fine hairs that can irritate skin and eyes, so wear gloves when handling or opening the pods. The pods themselves are woody and can be a nuisance where they fall.

How tall does a kurrajong grow?

Usually 6 to 20 metres tall with a spread of 3 to 6 metres. It can reach 20 metres, although many trees stay much smaller.

Is kurrajong native to Brisbane?

Yes. It grows naturally from north-eastern Victoria to around Townsville, and herbarium collections record wild trees in the D'Aguilar Range and other hills around Brisbane.

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Sources and credits

Photo: Philmarin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Checked October 2026. Weed listings and council rules change: check the council's and the Queensland Government's pages before you act.