Stewartia pseudocamellia
Japanese Stewartia
Mature Size, Growth, Longevity
Average mature size of 20-40' tall & 10-25' wide in the landscape, can reach 60' tall in the wild. Pyramidal-oval form. Slow growth rate.
Native Range
Native to Japan. Introduced 1874.
Flower and Fruit Details
Flowers are deeply cupped, white, with white filaments and orange anthers, 2-2.5" in diameter, occurring in June/July. Fruits are brown, broad-ovoid 5-valved capsules, 1" long, hairy. Not ornamental.
Leaf and Bark Features
Deciduous: Leaves are somewhat thick & stiff, 2.5-3" long, alternate, simple, elliptic to obovate-elliptic, acuminate at the tip, dark green & glabrous above, light green and glabrous or with scattered long hairs below, w/ crenate-serrulate, finely toothed margins. Petiole is 1/8-3/8" long. Yellow, red to dark reddish purple fall color. Notable Bark: Bark is exfoliating, w/ various shades of tan, brown, gray & orange. Very showy w/ age. Eventually develops a massive trunk. Develops a sinuous, muscled character w/ showy exfoliating bark sections/fragments. The bark provides interesting winter color.
Culture and Care
Zones (4)5-7. Somewhat difficult to transplant. Best to move as a small plant (under 6' tall) in early spring. It needs moist, acid soil, pH 4.5-6.5), abundantly supplemented with organic matter such as compost or peat moss. Not drought-tolerant. Prefers full sun most of the day, but some shade during the hottest part of the afternoon, if possible. Seldom requires any pruning. No serious insect or disease problems.
Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts
4-season interest: Spring, summer, fall & winter. A member of the tea family. Named after John Stewart (also spelled "Stuart"), 16th century Botanist, & 3rd Earl of the Isle of Bute. Species name means "false camellia", due to the similar flowers.
Suggested Uses
An excellent specimen tree, with multi-season beauty. Locate in a prominent place in the landscape. Good in borders & woodland gardens.