Monkey Puzzle Tree Seeds (Araucaria araucana)
Monkey Puzzle Tree Seeds (Araucaria araucana)
Prehistoric beauty. Spiny and spectacular.
Araucaria araucana, commonly known as the Monkey Puzzle Tree, is a rare and ancient conifer native to the volcanic slopes of the Andes in Chile and Argentina. As the national tree of Chile, it’s renowned for its reptilian, spiny branches, pyramidal form, and extraordinary lifespan—earning it the nickname “living fossil.” These trees can live for over a thousand years and typically reach 60–70 feet in cultivation, with wild specimens exceeding 130 feet. First introduced to Europe in the 1700s, it remains a favorite of collectors and adventurous gardeners worldwide.
- Harvested in Washington State, 2025
- Germination Rate: 98%
- National tree of Chile; native to the Andes mountains
- Dioecious species with separate male and female cones
- Highly tolerant of maritime exposure, salt winds, and varied soils
- Spiny, spiraled foliage and “elephant-foot” bark add striking character
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Araucaria araucana
- Stratification: Not required
- USDA Zones: 7–10
- Soil: Moist, well-drained; tolerates acidic to neutral soils
- Light: Full sun
- Mature Size: 60–70 ft tall × 30–40 ft wide (larger in native range)
- Growth Rate: Slow (6–12" per year)
- Lifespan: 1,000+ years
FAQ
Are Monkey Puzzle seeds edible?
Yes. Once mature, the tree produces large, starchy seeds (piñones) that are edible when cooked and also enjoyed by wildlife.
How slow do Monkey Puzzle trees grow?
Expect 6–12 inches of growth per year. While slow-growing, their incredible longevity makes them true legacy trees.
Can this seed be shipped internationally?
No. This seed cannot be shipped outside of the United States without special permits. At this time, Evergreen Seed Co. ships Monkey Puzzle Tree seeds only within the USA.
Why Grow Monkey Puzzle?
- Prehistoric survivor – unchanged for over 200 million years
- Architectural beauty – bold, spiny form and unique bark
- Legacy tree – lifespans over 1,000 years, perfect for collectors or rewilding projects
- Resilient and hardy – thrives in cool, maritime climates with minimal pests or diseases
Evergreen Seed Co. is trusted by growers nationwide for rare, resilient, and high-germination tree seeds. Each batch is carefully sourced, tested, and packaged with full planting instructions.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
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