Staphylea emodi
Family: Staphyleaceae
What it is like
Staphylea emodi is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3.5 m (11ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. 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): 3.5
Where it is found
Moist mixed forests. Shady ravines, 1500 - 2700 metres in Uttar Pradesh.
E. Asia - N.W. Himalayas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Wood - soft. Used for making walking sticks, it is said to keep snakes away.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
Tolerant of a wide range of soils, it prefers a rich loamy soil in a full sun or semi-shade. This species is not very cold-hardy in Britain, it is only likely to succeed outdoors in the mildest parts of the country. The plants flower best in years that follow hot summers. Closely related to S. holocarpa. 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: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist