Ehretia ovalifolia

Family: Ehretiaceae

What it is like

Ehretia ovalifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. 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. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 12

Where it is found

In forests from lowlands to 500 metres.

E. Asia - C. and S. Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit. No more details. Young buds and leaves. No more details.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

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. Young trees are tender in Britain but they become perfectly hardy as they grow older. The young growth in spring is frost-tender. Closely allied to E. acuminata and included in that species by some botanists. A tree was 10 metres tall at Bath botanical gardens in 1989. The flowers, which are produced on the ripened wood of the previous season's growth, have a soft sweet perfume.

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: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

E. acuminata. Auct. non R.Br. E. acuminata obovata. E. thyrsifolia.