powder puff tree

Powder Puff Tree

Has there ever been a cuter tree? A favourite among butterflies and hummingbirds, this tree can be found in the Nutrien Garden of Life inside the ENMAX Conservatory.

Pom poms in bloom

Also known as a pom pom tree, this evergreen is known for producing spherical heads of many small flowers with prominent stamens. Before blooming its red, white, or pink stamens, the unopened flowers grow in clusters that look like raspberries. This member of the legume family cares for the plants around it – it has a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria and adds atmospheric nitrogen to the soil so that nearby plants to access nutrients. 

 

  • Latin Name: Calliandra haematocephala
  • IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (at relatively low risk of extinction)
  • Type: Deciduous tree or shrub
  • Produces: Flowers
  • Habitat: Bolivia
  • USDA Climate Zone: 9 – 11
  • Size: Up to 3 metres tall and 2 metres wide
powder puff tree
Crooked-Stem Aster

Care & Conservation

Crooked-Stem Aster

Our work in plant conservation doesn’t stop at the zoo. We work with partners to protect the crooked-stem aster, which is only found in a small number of populations in southwestern Ontario.
Learn More

facts about our plants

Fun Facts about Powder Puff Trees

Its seed pods can be between six and 11 centimetres long.

The flowers may bloom throughout the year, but peak in summer.

Their oblong leaves fold up at night.

This plant has been used medicinally to treat wounds and fever.

Its name comes from the Greek words kallos, meaning beauty and andros, meaning stamen.

The flowers of a cannonball tree are yellow or red on the outside and crimson or lilac on the inside.

Zoo Camp

Donate

How you can help

Your donation makes a world of difference. With support for animal care, conservation programs, and education, you’re making the world wilder.

Meet our Plants

ENMAX Conservatory

Cannonball tree

ENMAX Conservatory

Cannonball Tree

Learn More
Soursop

ENMAX Conservatory

Soursop

Learn More
choco palm

ENMAX Conservatory

Choco Palm

Learn More
Mandrill

Plan your visit

Get close to wildlife

It’s time to make some memories. Here’s everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable day at the zoo.