Wild Earpod Plant Care

Wild Earpod (Erythrophleum lasianthum) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Erythrophleum genus. Wild Earpod is native to Tropical regions of West Africa. Wild Earpod is also known as Wild Laburnum.

Wild Earpod displays a tall tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Wild Earpod produces small yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Wild Earpod every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Wild Earpod thrives in full sun.

Erythrophleum lasianthum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Wild Earpod prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added sand and perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Wild Earpod to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Wild Earpod every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added sand and perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Wild Earpod is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Wild Earpod can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Wild Earpod while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Wild Earpod is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Wild Earpod can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ordeal tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Wild Earpod is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Wild Earpod grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Wild Earpod is native to Tropical regions of West Africa. In cooler regions, grow Wild Earpod as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.