White Hummingbird Tree Seeds (Sesbania grandiflora) Fast-growing tropical tree with edible white blossoms; nitrogen-fixing and valued for ornamental beauty and traditional cuisine

Minimum: 10+ Seeds

White Hummingbird Tree is a striking, fast-growing tropical tree known for its large, pendulous white blossoms, feathery foliage, and incredible versatility. Both ornamental and edible, this unique tree has been treasured in traditional cuisine and agroforestry systems for generations. If you want beauty, function, and productivity in one plant, this is it.

Elegant white flowers dangle like hummingbirds in flight... and they are just as eye-catching as they are useful.

Why Grow White Hummingbird Tree?

🌳 Fast-growing tropical tree
🤍 Large edible white blossoms
🌿 Nitrogen-fixing soil builder
🌼 Highly ornamental landscape specimen
🥗 Traditional culinary and cultural uses

Ideal for permaculture systems, food forests, tropical gardens, and anyone looking to grow something rare and functional.

Plant Profile

• Botanical Name: Sesbania grandiflora

• Common Names: White Hummingbird Tree, Vegetable Hummingbird

• Type: Tropical perennial tree

• Growth Rate: Extremely fast

• Height: 15–30 feet (can be maintained smaller with pruning)

• Flower Color: Pure white

• Climate: USDA Zones 9–11 (grown as an annual in cooler zones)

This tree establishes quickly and can flower within its first year under warm conditions.

Edible & Culinary Uses

The large white blossoms are edible and widely used in Southeast Asian and South Asian cuisines. They are typically:

• Lightly steamed

• Added to curries

• Stuffed and sautéed

• Used in soups

• Mixed into salads

The flavor is mild and slightly sweet with a tender texture when cooked.

Young leaves and tender pods are also edible in traditional preparations.

Soil-Building & Permaculture Benefits

White Hummingbird Tree is a nitrogen-fixing legume, meaning it improves soil fertility by capturing atmospheric nitrogen and converting it into usable nutrients. This makes it a powerful companion plant in:

• Food forests

• Tropical agroforestry systems

• Regenerative garden designs

• Intercropping setups

It enriches the soil naturally while providing shade and organic matter.

Growing Instructions

White Hummingbird Tree thrives in warm climates with full sun.

• Germination: Scarify seeds lightly and soak 12–24 hours before planting

• Planting Depth: ½ inch

• Germination Temperature: 75–90°F

• Light: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil

• Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates brief dry periods

In cooler climates, start seeds indoors and grow as a fast-growing annual or container specimen. In frost-free regions, it can become a small ornamental tree.

Pruning encourages branching and manageable size.

Landscape Value

The white flowers hang gracefully from branches, resembling hummingbirds in motion. The fine, fern-like leaves create a soft, tropical canopy, making this tree ideal for:

• Tropical-style gardens

• Backyard food forests

• Pollinator landscapes

• Edible ornamental plantings

It brings movement, softness, and exotic beauty to any space.

Ideal For

🌴 Tropical and subtropical growers
🌿 Permaculture enthusiasts
🌼 Ornamental edible gardens
🥗 Cultural and traditional cuisine growers
🌱 Soil improvement and regenerative gardening

Organic, Open-Pollinated Seeds

Our White Hummingbird Tree seeds are:

🌱 Organically grown
🌿 Open-pollinated
🌎 Non-GMO
🧺 Selected for strong germination

If you are building a productive tropical garden, a regenerative food forest, or simply want to grow something stunning and unique, White Hummingbird Tree delivers beauty, function, and food all in one fast-growing plant. Plant it once, and it will quickly become one of the most fascinating trees in your garden.