Source: Wikimedia Commons
Shaving brush tree
IntermediatePseudobombax ellipticum
A deciduous tree from Central America whose smooth green trunk, marbled with grey, swells at the base. From late winter to spring, before the leaves, it opens brush-like flowers of long pink stamens that last a single night.
About
Pseudobombax ellipticum is a deciduous tree in the Malvaceae (formerly Bombacaceae), native from southern Mexico through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua, and also found in Cuba and elsewhere. It grows on dry, rocky or poor soils from sea level to 1,800 m and does not tolerate shade. In the wild it reaches 18 m with a trunk 1.3 m across; the smooth green trunk marbled with grey stores water. The long-stalked leaves carry about five palmate leaflets 10–22 cm long, and new growth is deep maroon. From late winter to early spring, before the leaves, flowers open at the branch tips: the petals curl back to reveal hundreds of pink stamens up to about 15 cm long, like a shaving brush. Each flower opens at night and falls the next day. A white-flowered form (Alba) is also grown. In a pot it can be pruned to about 1 m, and the base swells into a caudex that can resemble a turtle shell. The IUCN Red List category is Least Concern. In Japan seed-grown caudex plants are widely sold online under the name "Bombax", and seed of Alba is also available.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Shaving brush tree
The Shaving brush tree grows to Up to 18 m tall with a 1.3 m trunk in the wild; can be kept to about 1 m in a pot.
Basic Info
Origin
Southern Mexico to Nicaragua (Central America)
Lifespan
Long-lived woody plant (little published data)
Size
Up to 18 m tall with a 1.3 m trunk in the wild; can be kept to about 1 m in a pot
Temperature
10〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Regular feeding in the growing season
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Grow it in full to partial sun, but potted plants are sensitive to hot midsummer sun, so shade them or move them to partial shade in summer.
Watering
It likes plenty of water from spring to autumn. Letting it dry out completely can kill it, but overwatering causes rot, so water as the mix begins to dry.
Temperature & Overwintering
It is deciduous in winter; keep it a little dry then. It is said to survive brief frost when dry, but bring it indoors before temperatures drop below 0°C.
Pruning & Shaping
Prune after flowering once the leaves appear. Cutting the branches back each year helps the caudex base thicken.
Propagation
Propagate from seed or cuttings. Seedlings fail without direct sun, so give them bright light after germination.
Shaving brush tree FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Shaving brush tree?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QHow large does Shaving brush tree get?
The mature size of Shaving brush tree is Up to 18 m tall with a 1.3 m trunk in the wild; can be kept to about 1 m in a pot. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Shaving brush tree?
Shaving brush tree: watering & fertilizer — Regular feeding in the growing season. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Shaving brush tree?
The price of Shaving brush tree varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in CITES (checked on Species+). No special procedure is needed for transfers within Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Pseudobombax ellipticum / IUCN Red List category via GBIF: Pseudobombax ellipticum
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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