White Lead Tree
Leucaena leucocephala
Last reviewed: September 2026
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.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaCoffeebush 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow White Lead Tree? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.