Swamp Privet, Eastern swampprivet
Forestiera acuminata

Family: Oleaceae

What it is like

Forestiera acuminata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). It is in flower from March to April, and the seeds ripen in July. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). 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

Where it is found

Wet river banks, by ponds and swamps.

South-eastern N. America - South Carolina to Florida, west to Texas and Kansas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The fruit is chewed. It is about 25mm long with a thin dry flesh surrounding a large seed.

Medicine

Rating: 1

A decoction of the roots and bark has been taken as a 'health beverage'.

Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.

Other

Rating:

Wood - hard, strong, close-grained. The wood is soft, light and weak according to another report. It weighs 39lb per cubic foot. Used for turnery.

Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.

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

How it is grown

Succeeds in most soils. Plants rarely produce fruit in Britain.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in the autumn or in late winter 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 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. Cuttings of mature wood, November to February in a frame or sheltered outdoor bed.

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

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 0-0

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

Adelia acuminata. Borya acuminata.