Ironwood, Buckwheat tree
Cliftonia monophylla

Family: Cyrillaceae

What it is like

Cliftonia monophylla is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 4

Where it is found

Damp, sandy, peat soils in alluvial swamps and bays free from mud, lime, sulphur and salt. Often also found in shallow, rarely overflowed swamps.

South-eastern N. America - Louisiana to Florida.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Wood - heavy, close-grained, moderately hard, brittle, not strong. It burns with a clear, bright flame and is valued as a fuel.

How it is grown

Requires a free-draining, light, sandy, acid soil with additional leafmould added. This species is not very hardy outdoors in Britain. It can be grown in areas where frosts are light and of short duration, otherwise it will require some protection from winter cold. The flowers are very fragrant.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species, but the seed is probably best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots. Grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out in early summer when there is no danger of frost. Give them some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a sandy medium in a frame.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. ligustrina. (Willd.)Spreng. Ptelea monophylla. Lam.