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Overview
Meliosma veitchiorum is a medium to large, deciduous tree reaching 30-50 feet (9-15 m) tall with a spread of 20-35 feet (6-10.5 m) and a broadly spreading, rounded crown. Native to central China, this rare tree is grown for its bold, pinnately compound foliage and large, airy flower panicles. The alternate, odd-pinnate leaves are 12-24 inches (30-61 cm) long with 7-11 leaflets, each 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long, dark green above and paler beneath, creating a coarse, tropical-looking texture. Large, terminal panicles 12-18 inches (30-46 cm) long of tiny, creamy-white flowers appear in May-June. The fruit is small, 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm), dark violet to black, in loose clusters. The bark on young branches is smooth and reddish-brown. This is a rare collector tree—seldom encountered in cultivation outside botanical gardens. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 6. Introduced by E.H. Wilson in 1901.
Native Range
Meliosma veitchiorum is native to central China—Hubei and Sichuan provinces—in montane forests at 3,000-8,000 feet (900-2,400 m) elevation. Introduced to Western cultivation by E.H. Wilson in 1901 and named after the Veitch nursery family.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen in botanical collections, arboreta, and large gardens at 25-30 foot (7.5-9 m) spacing. The bold compound foliage and large flower panicles create a tropical appearance. Rare in cultivation—primarily found in botanical gardens and specialty collections. The large leaves are wind-sensitive. The large mature size (30-50 feet) requires substantial space. Not suitable for small gardens, exposed windy sites, or dry soils.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 50'
Width/Spread20' - 35'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Large terminal panicles 12-18 inches (30-46 cm) long of tiny creamy-white flowers in May-June. Light fragrance. Bloom duration is 2-3 weeks. Fruit small, 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm), dark violet to black, in loose clusters in autumn.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Creamy-white; tiny flowers in large terminal panicles 12-18 inches; airy; May-JunFoliage Description
Dark green above, paler beneath; alternate odd-pinnate 12-24 inches; 7-11 leaflets 3-6 inches; coarse tropical-looking textureGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in partial shade to full sun in moist, rich, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.0-7.0). Hardy to zone 6. Shelter from cold, drying winds—the large compound leaves are susceptible to wind damage. Mulch the root zone. Moderate growth rate. Rare in cultivation—may be difficult to source. No significant pest or disease problems.Pruning
Minimal pruning required. Remove dead or damaged branches in late winter. The naturally spreading, rounded crown develops without intervention. Avoid heavy pruning.Pruning Schedule
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F
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A
M
J
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A
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late spring