Japanese Storax
Styrax japonica

Family: Styracaceae

What it is like

Styrax japonica is a deciduous Tree growing to 8 m (26ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 8

Where it is found

Thickets and thin woods in mountains and hills all over Japan.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - raw. The fruit is about 14mm in diameter.

Oil: Oil

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The fruits are used as beads in rosaries etc. An oil is obtained from the seed. No further details are given. Wood - fine-grained. Used to make umbrella handles.

Beads: Used as necklaces etc.

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

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

Requires a light lime-free soil in sun or semi-shade. If planted out when young into a planting hole that has been filled with a light lime-free soil the plants will successfully grow into the surrounding soil. Prefers a warm sheltered position with protection from the morning sun. Dormant plants are hardy to about -15°c but the young growth is liable to be damaged by late frosts. A very ornamental plant but it is slow to establish itself and is slow growing. There are some named varieties. The sub-species S. japonica fargesii is stronger growing in Britain. The flowers have an exquisite scent. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed requires 3 months warm then 3 months cold stratification. Germination is usually good, prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle. Overwinter in a greenhouse for the first winter and plant out in late spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Layering in autumn.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

S. serrulata. non Roxb.