Poisonwood Plant Care

Poisonwood (Metopium toxiferum) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Metopium genus. Poisonwood is native to the American Neotropics. Poisonwood is also known as Black Poisonwood, Florida Poisonwood.

Poisonwood displays a tall tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Poisonwood produces small clusters of white or greenish flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Poisonwood 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.

Poisonwood thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Metopium toxiferum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Poisonwood prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Poisonwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Poisonwood 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 to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Poisonwood is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 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.

Poisonwood 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 Poisonwood 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.

Poisonwood 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.

Poisonwood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to black poisonwood plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Poisonwood 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.

Poisonwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Poisonwood is native to the American Neotropics. In cooler regions, grow Poisonwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.