Bitter Bark, Fevertree, Pinckneya
Pinckneya pubens
Family: Rubiaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Pink, Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Rounded.
Pinckneya pubens is a deciduous Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 6
Where it is found
Sandy soils by streams or in swamps on the coastal plain.
South-eastern N. America - W. Florida to S. Carolina.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The bark is antiperiodic and tonic. It has been used in the treatment of intermittent fevers such as malaria.
Antiperiodic: Counteracts recurring illnesses such as malaria.
Malaria: Treats malaria - an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites spread to people through the bites of mosquitos.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
Wood - close-grained, soft, weak.
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Arbor, Pest tolerant, Standard, Specimen, Woodland garden. Requires a rich moist soil and protection from full sun, especially when young. This species is not very hardy in Britain, but it succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of the country if grown against a south-facing wall. Special Features:North American native, Wetlands plant, Blooms are very showy.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in early spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of mature wood of the current years growth in the autumn. Keep cool but frost-free over the winter.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-9
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist