Lyonia ovalifolia

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

Lyonia ovalifolia is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

Common in sunny places on hills, in scrub and on the edges of oak, pine and rhododendron woods.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Himalayas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

The young leaves and buds are toxic, but they are used externally as an infusion to treat skin diseases and external parasites.

Parasiticide: Treats external parasites such as ringworm This should perhaps be joined with Parasiticide in

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Other

Rating:

The leaves have insecticidal properties and can also be used to treat skin diseases of a parasitic origin. Wood - soft according to one report, hard according to another, even-grained, moderately compact, not durable, warps and shrinks badly during seasoning. It is used as a fuel, though is not a very good fuel, and as a charcoal. It can also be used in turning if it is properly seasoned.

Charcoal: Used for fuel, drawing, deodorant, filter, fertilizer etc.

Insecticide: Kills insects.

Parasiticide: Kills external body parasites such as hair lice.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

Grow in dappled shade in moist humus-rich lime-free soils and mulch annually with leafmould. Requires an acid soil in sun or part shade. Requires a position in shade or semi-shade. Plants are hardy to about -10°c, though the Himalayan form of this species is rather tender.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. 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. Layering.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Andromeda ovalifolia. Pieris ovalifolia. Xolisma ovalifolia.