Paradise tree

Simarouba glauca DC.

Family: Simaroubaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not stated by our sources (not a clearance). Detail: no human-hazard statement

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA has no Simarouba page. ASPCA index has no Simarouba glauca page. The ASPCA pages Bead Tree, Chinaberry Tree and Pride-of-India are Melia azedarach, a different tree, matched here only by the common name "paradise tree"; they are not a verdict for Simarouba. Do not treat as pet-safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Simarouba glauca DC. (UF/IFAS and Kew WCVP agree), not on the common name.. ASPCA lists Melia azedarach under the names Bead Tree, Chinaberry Tree and Pride-of-India (toxic to dogs, cats and horses). That is a different tree from Simarouba glauca. Check the botanical name. The Tulum list calls Simarouba glauca "negrito".

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 10B-11 per UF/IFAS (frost sensitive)
Light: Full sun to partial shade per UF/IFAS.
Water needs: moderate moderate is a plain-language reading of UF/IFAS (drought tolerance moderate; grows quickly on rich soil high in organic matter; well-drained). Finger-test two inches down.
Mature size: US: UF/IFAS: 40-50 ft tall and 25-30 ft wide, moderate growth; MX: Tulum list: trees or shrubs 3-30 m tall, dioecious (separate male and female plants)

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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