Tree dahlia

What does Tree dahlia look like?

Tree dahlia is a striking perennial that can reach 8 to 10 metres in height. Its stems are hollow, four-sided, and resemble canes, with swollen joints. The leaves are large and divided into many leaflets. Near the top, it produces nodding flowerheads, each 7.5 to 15 centimetres across, with ray florets in shades of lavender or mauve-pink. Lower leaves drop off quickly as the plant grows.

Where does Tree dahlia come from?

Dahlia imperialis grows wild in upland regions from Mexico through Central America to Colombia and Ecuador, especially in the foothills of subtropical or tropical mountains at elevations around 1,500 to 1,700 metres. It was first described in 1863 by Benedikt Roezl, a Czech plant collector. The species became known in Europe after dahlia plants were brought from Mexico in the 16th century.

When and how Tree dahlia blooms

Tree dahlia grows from a tuber, sending up new stems in spring after a winter rest. It grows rapidly as days shorten, usually flowering in autumn before frost. The plant is propagated by seed or by laying stem cuttings with at least two nodes under the soil. Good drainage helps, and a top layer of gravel or grit can aid moisture retention and prevent erosion.

How Tree dahlia is used

People eat the tubers of many dahlia species, including tree dahlia, in ways similar to potatoes or carrots. The petals can be added to salads or soups. In Guatemala, the Q'eqchi' people use the leaves as a dietary supplement. There is no mention of use in worship or as a symbol.

Kinds of Tree dahlia

Tree dahlia is one of several species in the Dahlia genus, but is notable for its great height and large, nodding flowers. Other dahlia species are more commonly grown for ornamental purposes, but tree dahlia stands out for its edible parts and size.

What Tree dahlia means

Tree dahlia does not have a strong role in symbolism or as a national emblem in the regions where it grows. Its main cultural significance is as a food plant, especially among some Indigenous groups in Central America. There are no major festivals or religious uses tied to this species.

Where Tree dahlia is used and seen

Parc floral de ParisA botanical garden and flower park in the Bois de Vincennes, ParisParc Floral de la SourceA large public garden in Orléans built around the source of the Loiret riverMendocino Coast Botanical GardensA coastal garden in Mendocino County, California with ocean views and diverse plantingsBaguio Botanical GardenA public garden in Baguio with local plants, art, and cultural displaysFlower gardenA garden space planted and arranged for flowering plants and seasonal bloomsFlower carpetPatterns made on the ground from fresh flowers or petalsGardens by the BaySingapore’s waterfront gardens with giant Supertrees and world-class glasshousesFlower Carpet of BrusselsA giant floral tapestry on Brussels’ Grand-Place every two years

Questions people ask about Tree dahlia

Good reading and sources

• IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesIUCN Red List, Article
• Dahlia imperialis (B)Royal Horticultural Society, Article
• Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
• Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
• Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database

• Dahlia imperialis on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data