Cochlospermum Vitifolium
Cochlospermum vitifolium (Willd.) Spreng.
Cochlospermum vitifolium, the Buttercup Tree, is a striking deciduous tropical tree from Central America that erupts in large golden-yellow flowers on completely bare branches during the dry season. It symbolizes resilience, renewal, and the triumph of life over adversity.
Bixaceae
Dry season, typically December through February or March; blooms appear on leafless branches
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: chionodoxas and golden wattle flowers also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
The Buttercup Tree holds a striking place in the dry tropical landscapes of Central America, where its massive golden flowers appear on completely naked branches at the driest and most seemingly lifeless time of the year. This dramatic contrast between bare wood and brilliant bloom has made it a natural symbol of hope and the resilience of life. The tree is an aggressive pioneer species, one of the first to colonize disturbed land, establishing itself where other plants cannot, another quality that reinforces its symbolism of determined renewal. Its cottony seeds drift on the dry-season winds, sowing new life across the landscape and adding to its reputation as an emblem of natural abundance and vitality.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; a pioneer species that thrives in open, sunny positions
Water
Drought tolerant once established; blooms during the dry season; requires good drainage
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy, Loamy, Tolerates poor soils
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates poor and sandy soils
Highly drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
A fast-growing pioneer species that can flower as early as its second year
Propagate easily from seed; sow after the last rains or in the dry season to mimic natural germination timing
Prune in the rainy season to maintain shape; avoid pruning during the dry season when flowers are developing
Allow adequate space as it can develop a wide canopy; does not tolerate frost
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Spectacular specimen tree for tropical and subtropical gardens
- Avenue and street tree in warm climates
- Naturalistic and dry forest garden plantings
- Pioneer species for habitat restoration in dry tropical regions
- The cottony-seeded fruits provide an ornamental display after the flowers fade
Traditional Uses
- Bark used in some regions to make rope and cordage
- Wood yields a yellow-orange dye used traditionally for dyeing cotton cloth
- Various traditional medicinal uses documented in Central American ethnobotany
- Contains the flavonoids naringenin and quercetin; coumarin and ellagic acid in the leaves; vitexin in the roots
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cochlospermum Vitifolium
Why does the Buttercup Tree bloom on bare branches?
Cochlospermum vitifolium is a deciduous tree that sheds its leaves at the start of the dry season. Its flowers appear on these bare branches during the driest and most extreme period of the year, before the rains return and new leaves emerge. This adaptation allows the tree to maximize pollinator visibility and avoid competition from foliage.
What does the Cochlospermum vitifolium symbolize?
The Buttercup Tree symbolizes resilience, renewal, and hope. Its ability to produce spectacular golden blooms during the harshest part of the year, on leafless branches in a dry landscape, makes it a powerful natural emblem of life's triumph over adversity and the certainty of renewal.
Is Cochlospermum vitifolium fast growing?
Yes, Cochlospermum vitifolium is a fast-growing pioneer species that can colonize disturbed land quickly and begin flowering as early as its second year. In its native dry tropical forests it often grows in clearings and alongside roadsides where it establishes rapidly.
What are the uses of the Buttercup Tree?
The Buttercup Tree has several traditional uses. Its wood yields a yellow-orange dye used for coloring textiles. Bark fibers have been used in some regions to make rope. The cottony seed fibers can be used as stuffing material. The tree is also widely planted as an ornamental for its spectacular flowering display.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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