Cartrema americana
Devilwood, Wood-olive
Mature Size, Growth, Longevity
Average mature size of 15-25' tall. Slow to medium growth rate.
Native Range
North Carolina to Florida and Mississippi. Found along swamp margins, hammocks and borders of streams. Cultivated 1758.
Flower and Fruit Details
Flowers are white, fragrant, dioecious, open in March-April. Fruits are dark purple, single-stoned drupes, 0.5" long, matures in September and may persist into spring of next year.
Leaf and Bark Features
Bark is glabrous, green changing to gray-brown, dotted with numerous pale lenticels. Stems are stout, squarish.
Culture and Care
Zones 6-10. No serious disease or insect problems.
Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts
The dark olive green leaves are handsome throughout the seasons but do lighten (yellow-green) in sun and exposed locations.