Mark A. Miller
Family
Agavaceae
Botanical Name
DRACAENA draco
Plant Common Name
Dragon Tree
General Description
Named "dragon’s blood" in ancient times due to its peculiar red sap, this tropical succulent tree is most unusual. It is native to just a small area on the Canary Islands off the west coast of Africa. Plants there withstand incredible drought and high humidity. In habitat they grow to a great age.
When young, the dragon tree resembles other dracaenas and has rosettes of strap-like green leaves. In time a single trunk arises and branches into a broad umbrella-like head with clusters of foliage. Plants bloom only after they reach maturity with white fluffy flowers that mature to bright red-orange fruit.
This tree grows best along the California coast where conditions are exceptionally mild and rainfall is rare in the summer months. This preference limits its success in the rainy southeast and Gulf Coast. Dragon trees also struggle in the dry air of inland deserts. Like other succulents it is vulnerable to poorly drained soils, but in sand or sloping ground it will grow quickly with adequate irrigation. Young plants can be used as foliage accents, and older specimens are best planted as focal or specimen plants.
This tree's crystallized sap was collected by European traders and sold as actual dragon’s blood for folk medicine and alchemy in the middle ages.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
11 - 12
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Sunset Zone
16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
15'-20' / 4.6m - 6.1m
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Width
10'-20' / 3.0m - 6.1m
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Bloom Time
Summer
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Native To
Canary Islands
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Very Slow
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Yellow, Red, Orange
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Bark Color
Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
