Staphylea bumalda

Family: Staphyleaceae

What it is like

Staphylea bumalda is a deciduous Tree growing to 1.8 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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): 1.8

Where it is found

Woods and by streams in lowland and hilly areas to 1300 metres, all over Japan.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves - cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Tolerant of a wide range of soils so long as they are not too dry, it prefers a rich loamy soil in full sun or semi-shade. The Japanese form of this species is rather tender in Britain, but in general plants are hardy to about -25°c. The plants flower best in years that follow hot summers. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: Seed - this can be very slow to germinate, sometimes taking 18 months or more. It is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, and some of it at least should then germinate in the spring. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible and given cold stratification - it might not germinate until spring of the following year. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out early the following summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Fair to good percentage. Layering in July/August. Takes 15 months. Good percentage.

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

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 4-8

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

Bumalda trifolia.