Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana

Family: Hamamelidaceae

What it is like

Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana is a deciduous Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft) by 4 m (13ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 6

Where it is found

Forest undergrowth, 1500 - 2100 metres. Abundant on north-facing slopes, often forming pure stands.

E. Asia - W. Himalayas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The branches are very strong and flexible. They are used in basket making and can also be twisted together into thick ropes for making bridges. Wood - hard, heavy, very close grained. Used for walking sticks, tent pegs, axe handles etc.

Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.

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

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, succeeding in almost any soil, including limey ones, in sun or part shade, but it is liable to damage from late frosts. Prefers a good deep fertile loam. Prefers acid soils but it shows a good tolerance of alkaline and chalky soils, except very shallow soils over chalk. The dormant plant is hardy to about -20°c.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. It can take 18 months to germinate. Sow stored seed as soon as it is received in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for 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 in April. Takes 12 months. Very high percentage.

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

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-9

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

P. involucrata. Fothergilla involucrata. Parrotia jacquemontiana.