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White Lead Tree

Leucaena leucocephala

Last reviewed: October 2026

White Lead Tree (Leucaena leucocephala)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

White Lead Tree (Leucaena leucocephala) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

White Lead Tree is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats at a moderate level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

120"–360" H × 120"–300" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, wasps

Native alternatives to White Lead Tree

White Lead Tree is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Wondering what could grow where White Lead Tree is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.

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Coffeebush is a fast-growing evergreen tree that can reach substantial size, forming a broad canopy with feathery compound leaves. It produces clusters of small white pompom flowers from March through June and thrives in hot, dry conditions with minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

White Lead Tree takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Grows very large and can appear uncontrolled
  • May be considered invasive or weedy by some HOAs
  • Fast growth requires frequent pruning to maintain neat appearance

Wildlife value

The abundant spring and early summer blooms attract bees, butterflies, and wasps. The dense canopy also provides nesting sites and shelter for birds.

Common questions

How much sun does White Lead Tree need?
White Lead Tree grows best in full sun conditions.
When does White Lead Tree bloom?
White Lead Tree blooms in March, April, May, and June.
Is White Lead Tree toxic to livestock?
White Lead Tree is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (moderate severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
What pollinators does White Lead Tree attract?
White Lead Tree draws bees, butterflies, and wasps.
Is White Lead Tree HOA-friendly?
White Lead Tree takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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