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Nothofagaceae FAMILY

Nothofagus pumilio

Nothofagus pumilio

Edibility
2/5
Medicinal
0/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Cultivation Details

HabitDeciduous Tree
GrowthMedium

Nothofagus pumilio is native to central and southern Chile, where it experiences frost and snow. It is likely to be able to tolerate temperatures down to around -10 to -15°c for short periods when fully dormant[1]. Plants growing in a maritime climate at Crarae in western Scotland (hardiness zone 7)) are very hardy but fairly slow growing[2]. Prefers an open well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position[3, 4]. Succeeds on most soils but dislikes calcareous soils[1]. Prefers a pH between 5 and 7, but dislikes acid peats[4]. Prefers cool wet summers in temperate maritime zones[4]. Natural regeneration is abundant[5]. This species is closely related to Nothofagus antarctica[1]. Species in this genus often have poor wind resistance in cultivation, probably because they grow so fast[1]. Trees up to 4 metres tall can be successfully established, though the optimum size for transplanting is about 30 - 80cm. The roots are very sensitive to desiccation and extreme care should be taken when transplanting them[4]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[4].

Propagation

The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cool greenhouse or cold frame. Spring-sown seed requires 2 - 3 months stratification at 1 - 5°c[4]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in the cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed must not be allowed to dry out according to one report[6] whilst another says that the seed can be stored dry at 2°c for long periods[4]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 6 - 10cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame[7]. Layering. Cite as: Temperate Plants Database, Ken Fern. temperate.theferns.info. 2026-02-21. <temperate.theferns.info/plant/Nothofagus+pumilio>

Pollinators

Wind

References

  1. [1]Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. — Bean. W. · Murray · 1981 · ISBN - ↩︎A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.
  2. [2]Letter from Crarae Garden, March 1993. — - · 1993 · ISBN - ↩︎A list Nothofagus species growing at Crarae Garden in Scotland.
  3. [3]RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 — F. Chittendon. · Oxford University Press · 1951 · ISBN - ↩︎Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaced in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [ 200 ]).
  4. [4]The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. — Huxley. A. · MacMillan Press · 1992 · ISBN 0-333-47494-5 ↩︎Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
  5. [5]South American Timbers: the Properties, Uses and Characteristics of 190 Species. — Bolza. E. & Christensen. F.J. · Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization · 1979 · ISBN 0 643 02582 0 ↩︎A very useful guide.
  6. [6]Hardy Woody Plants from Seed. — McMillan-Browse. P. · Grower Books · 1985 · ISBN 0-901361-21-6 ↩︎Does not deal with many species but it is very comprehensive on those that it does cover. Not for casual reading.
  7. [7]Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. — Sheat. W. G. · MacMillan and Co · 1948 · ISBN - ↩︎A bit dated but a good book on propagation techniques with specific details for a wide range of plants.
  8. [8]Flora of Tierra del Fuego. — Moore. D. M. · Anthony Nelson. · 1983 · ISBN 0-904614-05-0 ↩︎Standard work for this part of S. America. Excellent details of habitat and a few notes on plant uses.
  9. [PFAF]Plants for a Future — pfaf.org ↩︎