Neolitsea sericea

Family: Lauraceae

What it is like

Neolitsea sericea is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from September to October, and the seeds ripen from January to February. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) 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): 6

Where it is found

Ravines, thickets and woodland from 300 - 1300 metres in W. China.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

An edible oil is obtained from the seed.

Oil: Oil

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The oil obtained from the seed is also used in soap making and for burning.

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.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Succeeds in any reasonably good well-drained soil. A calcifuge plant, it requires a lime-free soil. Requires a sheltered position in full sun. Succeeds in semi-shade. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it only succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of the country and even there is best grown on a south or west-facing wall. The leaves are very aromatic. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible in a greenhouse. 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 the cold for their first few winters outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature basal hardwood of the previous seasons growth, mid to late winter in a frame.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 8-11

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

N. glauca. Litsea glauca. L. sericea.