Gumbo-limbo (Bursera Simaruba) is a perennial tree in the Burseraceae family with easy care difficulty. It requires drought-tolerant watering and full sun or partial shade light in USDA hardiness zones 10-12. This plant is safe for cats and dogs.

Bursera simaruba is a medium to large, semi-evergreen, fast-growing, resinous tree native to seasonally dry tropical forests.

Gumbo-limbo

Gumbo-limbo

Bursera Simaruba

Bursera simaruba is a medium to large, semi-evergreen, fast-growing, resinous tree native to seasonally dry tropical forests.

Quick Facts

Type
tree
Lifecycle
perennial
Care Difficulty
Easy
Water Needs
drought-tolerant
Light
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Hardiness Zones
10-12

Safety

🐕
Pet Safe
👶
Child Safe
Non-Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:sandy, loamy, rocky
Indoor:No
Outdoor:Yes
Garden Use:shade, ornamental, erosion control

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Gumbo-limbo

Jan
Prune
Feb
Fertilize
Mar
Repot
Apr
Water+
May
...
Jun
...
Jul
...
Aug
...
Sep
...
Oct
...
Nov
...
Dec
...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

Gumbo-limbo
Gumbo-limbo detail

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Taxonomy

Family:Burseraceae
Genus:Bursera