Ehretia dicksonii
Family: Ehretiaceae
What it is like
Ehretia dicksonii is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 10
Where it is found
Warm rocky valleys in the warmer areas of C. and S. Japan. In evergreen forests near the sea.
E. Asia - Japan and southern China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit. No further details. The fruit is about 2cm in diameter.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Wood - light and tough. Used for carrying poles.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained sandy loam in a sunny position. Requires a sheltered position. Plants are shade tolerant in continental climates but they require more sun in maritime areas in order to ripen the wood. Rich fertile soils tend to encourage soft sappy growth which is then subject to frost damage over winter. Succeeds on chalky soils. Mature plants are frost hardy, though young plants are often cut back by the frost. The young growth in spring is also susceptible to frost-damage. A tree was 6 metres tall at Kew in 1989. This species closely resembles Ehretia macrophylla Wall. of the E. Himalaya, but the latter has the thin chartaceous, narrower leaves without scabrous on the upper surface and with sparse pubescent hairs on the lower surface, and smaller drupes, ca. 8 mm in diam. The flowers, which are borne on the ripened wood of the previous season's growth, emit a powerful spicy fragrance.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing it as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Sow stored seed in late winter or early spring. 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 half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist