How Big Do Avocado Trees Grow?

The fruit and leaves of the avocado tree

Botanists identify the three main races of avocado trees as Mexican, Guatemalan and West Indian. Horticulturists created many hybrid species from these three origins. Apart from a select few hyrids bred for indoor or residential locations, avocado trees do not vary much in size from one race to another.

Wild Avocado Trees

In the wild, avocado trees generally reach heights of 30 to 40 feet. Older trees in sympathetic climates can grow up to 80 feet tall. The trunks of avocado trees grow from 12 to 24 inches wide.

Gwen Avocado Tree

The Gwen avocado tree stretches to a maximum of 15 feet tall, although residential gardeners often prune this hybrid to keep it smaller and more manageable. The Gwen avocado bears fruit that resembles the Haas in taste, although the creamy-flesh fruit often exceeds the Haas avocado in size.

Don Gillogly

Horticulturists created the Don Gillogly avocado tree as a dwarf capable of thriving indoors. Left outdoors, it can reach heights of 10 feet. Many gardeners maintain the Gollogly avocado tree as a small houseplant through regular pruning.

References

• University of Florida: Avocado Growing in the Florida Home Landscape
• Purdue University: Avocado
• "Los Angeles Times": Reed Avocado Height
• California Avocado Commission: Avocado Plant Varieties
• Avocado Trees: Frequently Asked Questions
• Wayside Gardens: Persea 'Son Gillogly'