Fact Sheet ST-435October 1994

Persea americana

Figure 1. Middle-aged Avocado.

Avocado 1

Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson2

INTRODUCTION

The large, lustrous dark green evergreen leavesand low-branching, open canopy of Avocado makes ita wonderful shade tree but it is most often grown forthe abundant production of its well-known, delicious,buttery fruits (Fig. 1). Depending on cultivars andvariety, the fruits may vary from smooth-skinned torough, and yellow-green to purple. Commonly seen at35 to 40 feet in height but capable of growing muchlarger, Avocado fits well into large residentiallandscapes in frost-protected locations. It can bepruned to an open spreading form or left to grow tallforming a rather narrow oval. Older trees becomemore rounded. The somewhat showy, greenish flowersappear on terminal panicles in late winter to earlyspring and are followed by the large, pendulous, pear-shaped fruits, ripening late summer to early spring,depending upon variety.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Scientific name: Persea americanaPronunciation: PER-see-uh uh-mair-ih-KAY-nuhCommon name(s): AvocadoFamily: LauraceaeUSDA hardiness zones: 9B through 11 (Fig. 2)Origin: not native to North AmericaUses: fruit tree; shade tree; specimen; no provenurban toleranceAvailability: generally available in many areas withinits hardiness range

DESCRIPTION

Height: 30 to 40 feetSpread: 25 to 35 feet

1. This document is adapted from Fact Sheet ST-435, a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service,Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication date: October 1994.

2. Edward F. Gilman, associate professor, Environmental Horticulture Department; Dennis G. Watson, associate professor, Agricultural EngineeringDepartment, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville FL 32611.

Persea americana -- Avocado Page 2

Crown uniformity: symmetrical canopy with a

Figure 2. Shaded area represents potential planting range.

regular (or smooth) outline, and individuals have moreor less identical crown formsCrown shape: oval; roundCrown density: moderateGrowth rate: fastTexture: coarse

Foliage

Leaf arrangement: alternateLeaf type: simpleLeaf margin: entireLeaf shape: elliptic (oval)Leaf venation: pinnateLeaf type and persistence: broadleaf evergreen;evergreenLeaf blade length: 4 to 8 inchesLeaf color: greenFall color: no fall color changeFall characteristic: not showy

Flower

Flower color: greenFlower characteristics: inconspicuous and notshowy; spring flowering; winter flowering

Fruit

Fruit shape: oval (Fig. 3)Fruit length: 3 to 6 inchesFruit covering: fleshyFruit color: green; purpleFruit characteristics: does not attract wildlife; suitedfor human consumption; fruit, twigs, or foliage causesignificant litter; persistent on the tree; showy

Trunk and Branches

Trunk/bark/branches: droop as the tree grows, andwill require pruning for vehicular or pedestrianclearance beneath the canopy; not particularly showy;should be grown with a single leader; no thornsPruning requirement: requires pruning to developstrong structureBreakage: susceptible to breakage either at the crotchdue to poor collar formation, or the wood itself is

Persea americana -- Avocado Page 3

weak and tends to break

Figure 3. Fruit of Avocado.

Current year twig color: greenCurrent year twig thickness: medium

Culture

Light requirement: tree grows in part shade/part sun;tree grows in full sunSoil tolerances: clay; loam; sand; acidic; alkaline;well-drainedDrought tolerance: moderateAerosol salt tolerance: moderateSoil salt tolerance: poor

Other

Roots: surface roots are usually not a problemWinter interest: no special winter interestOutstanding tree: not particularly outstandingInvasive potential: little, if any, potential at this timeOzone sensitivity: tolerantVerticillium wilt susceptibility: susceptiblePest resistance: long-term health usually notaffected by pests

USE AND MANAGEMENT

Avocado trees grow quickly in either full sun orlight shade on any well-drained soil. Trees should bewatered regularly until established and later duringdroughts. A forest tree in its native habitat, Avocadorespond well to a thick leaf mulch and periodicfertilization. Lawn grasses should be kept away fromthe trunk. The brittle wood of Avocado trees issubject to storm damage when trees grow taller than50 feet in the open.

Some of the many cultivars available for variety offruit production and season are: ‘Lula’, ‘Tonnage’,‘Taylor’, ‘Booth 7’, ‘Booth 8’, ‘Pollack’, ‘Trapp’,‘Walden’, ‘Linda’, and ‘Itzamna’.

Propagation is by seed or grafting.

Pests

Mites and scale infestations can become quiteserious in local areas.

Diseases

Root rots on poorly-drained soils and leaf-spottingdiseases can be troublesome.