Cashew Tree

15 Gallon

$249.00

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Cashew Tree

Anacardium occidentale

Produces Edible “Cashew Apple“ & Nut • Fast-Growing Tropical Tree • Self-Fertile

$249.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The Cashew tree is a fascinating and unique tropical evergreen, producing both a flavorful "cashew apple" and the coveted cashew nut. It requires a hot climate and careful handling due to the toxic oils in the raw nut shell, but rewards growers with a bountiful harvest of delicious, creamy nuts.

Produces a two-part fruit: a juicy, pear-shaped "cashew apple" (pseudo-fruit) and the true nut, which grows attached to the apple's end, encased in a hard, toxic shell.
The edible cashew nut (kernel) is kidney-shaped, light beige, with a mild, buttery flavor and a satisfying crisp-then-creamy texture.
A fast-growing, self-fruitful, evergreen tree with a large, spreading canopy and leathery leaves.
The "cashew apple" is edible and used in beverages, jams, and fermented drinks.
Raw nuts must be carefully heat-processed to remove toxic cashew balm from the shell before the kernel inside is safe to eat.
Thrives in hot, tropical climates and is relatively low-maintenance once established.

Flavor Profile:

Flavor: Mild, sweet, and distinctly buttery with a rich, nutty essence.
Texture: Initially crisp, then creamy and smooth when chewed.
Best Uses: A beloved snack roasted and salted. Also used in stir-fries, curries, nut butters, and vegan dairy alternatives.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Foliage: Oval, leathery leaves with prominent veins and smooth margins.Flowers: Fragrant, five-petaled white flowers borne in large panicles. The tree is self-pollinating.Fruit: The tree produces a "cashew apple" (a sweet, edible, pear-shaped pseudo-fruit) which is red or yellow when ripe. The true nut, the cashew kernel, grows attached to the bottom of this apple, enclosed within a hard, toxic shell.Habit: A spreading, evergreen tree with a large, wide canopy.
Mature Height: 20-40 ft.
Mature Width: 20-40 ft.
Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
Light Needs: Full sun
Key Advantages:Produces highly valuable edible nuts.The cashew apple is also edible and can be used in beverages and jams.Self-pollinating.Relatively low maintenance once established.Early maturity and high productivity for a nut tree
Landscape Uses:Tropical nut orchard.Large shade tree in suitable climates
Care Requirements:Climate: Strictly tropical; highly sensitive to frost.Planting Time: Best planted during the hottest part of the year (June-August in the Northern Hemisphere).

Q: Can I eat the nuts straight from the tree?A: Absolutely not. The shell liquid contains urushiol, the same toxic compound found in poison ivy, which can cause severe skin irritation and is harmful if ingested. The nuts require specialized roasting or steaming processes to make them safe for consumption. Home processing is not recommended.
Q: What is the “cashew apple“ like?A: It is a juicy, soft, pear-shaped fruit that can be yellow or red when ripe. It has a sweet, astringent flavor and is highly perishable. It is popular in the tropics for making juice, wine, or jam.
Q: Where can it be grown?A: It requires a consistently hot, frost-free tropical climate (USDA Zone 10+) and well-drained soil. It is not suited to areas with cool winters.