Monkey Puzzle Tree Seeds (Araucaria araucana)
Monkey Puzzle Tree Seeds (Araucaria araucana)
Ancient. Architectural. Unforgettable.
Araucaria araucana, the Monkey Puzzle Tree, is a living relic of the age of dinosaurs. This prehistoric conifer features a silhouette so distinctive and architectural that it stops people in their tracks. Its overlapping, scale-like leaves form a spiral armor that has remained unchanged for over 200 million years. Native to the Andes of Chile and Argentina, it is far hardier than its exotic appearance suggests, tolerating deep cold once established. For collectors, rare-plant enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a true statement tree, nothing compares.
- Unchanged since the Jurassic period, a true living fossil
- Dramatic architectural form unlike any other tree in cultivation
- Surprisingly cold-hardy for a Southern Hemisphere species
- Slow-growing but extremely long-lived, lasting for centuries
- Endangered in its native range, making cultivated trees meaningful
Things You Probably Didn’t Know
It got its name from a joke.
In 1850, when an early specimen was shown in Cornwall, England, someone remarked that it would “puzzle a monkey” to climb it. The name stuck, even though there are no monkeys in its native range.
The seeds were a staple food.
The Mapuche people of Chile and Argentina have relied on Monkey Puzzle seeds, called piñones, for centuries. These large, nutritious seeds were eaten fresh, dried, and ground into flour. The tree remains culturally and spiritually significant.
It can live for over 1,000 years.
Some trees in Chile are estimated to be between 700 and 1,000 years old. Even the large specimens planted in the UK and Pacific Northwest during the Victorian era are still considered young.
It has separate male and female trees.
Monkey Puzzle Trees are dioecious, meaning male and female cones grow on separate trees. It can take 20 to 30 years before a tree is mature enough to reveal its sex.
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Araucaria araucana
- Stratification: Not required; sow fresh for best germination
- USDA Zones: 7–10 (established trees may survive into zone 6b)
- Soil: Well-drained; slightly acidic to neutral
- Light: Full sun
- Height: 60–80 feet
- Spread: 20–30 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow (6–12 inches per year)
Plant it knowing your grandchildren will still be admiring it. A tree that measures time differently than we do.
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.
