Keteleeria davidiana
Family: Pinaceae
What it is like
Keteleeria davidiana is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft 5in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower in March, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. 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 dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 30
Where it is found
Usually found in areas with hot dry climates, growing in woodlands and on mountain slopes, often solitary or in small clumps, occasionally forming pure stands, 300 - 1500 metres.
E. Asia - S.W. China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Wood - soft, light, resinous, close grained, easily worked. It is esteemed for building purposes, furniture and wood fibre.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
Requires a sheltered position in a moist but well-drained light loamy soil with added leafmold. Plants require a hot dry site if they are to flourish, with at least 4 months of temperatures above 25°c. They grow best in a Mediterranean climate. A tree at Wakehurst Place, south of London, was 14 metres tall in 1980. Trees are slow growing in Britain and are rather tender when they are young. The new growth can be damaged by late spring and early autumn frosts. Trees should be planted into their permanent positions when they are quite small, between 30 and 90cm in height. Larger trees will check badly and hardly put on any growth for several years. Planting out larger trees also badly affects root development and wind resistance. Trees can be coppiced. Plants do not produce seed in Britain.
Propagating it: Seed - sow in a sandy soil in a warm greenhouse in the 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. Consider giving the plants some protection from winter cold for their first two winters outdoors. Cuttings of leading shoots from coppiced plants, summer in a frame.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist