Light: Full sun; young trees tolerate light shade.
Water: Moderate to high water needs in Phoenix. Water deeply across the expanding root zone, allowing the upper soil to dry between irrigations. Established trees still need regular summer irrigation; avoid frequent, shallow watering.
Soil: Adaptable to sandy, loamy, or clay soils with good drainage. Tolerates some alkalinity, but highly alkaline or saline soil can cause leaf yellowing.
Mature size: Typically 40–60 feet tall and 30–50 feet wide; can grow larger under favorable conditions.
Bloom: Small, inconspicuous flowers in late winter to early spring.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen to semi-evergreen in Phoenix; may briefly shed leaves in winter or lose foliage after frost.
Growth rate: Fast, often 2–3 feet per year with adequate water and favorable conditions.