Neolitsea spp.
neolitsea
Overview
Neolitsea is a genus of about 80 evergreen trees and shrubs in the laurel family (Lauraceae), native to eastern and southern Asia. Plants reach 3-15 m (10-50 ft) tall, with smooth grey bark and alternate or clustered leathery leaves that are often three-veined from the base, glossy dark green above and paler or blue-grey beneath. New growth stands apart: young leaves and shoots unfurl clad in silky golden to silvery hairs before hardening to green. The plants are dioecious, with separate male and female individuals carrying small clusters of pale yellow flowers in autumn or spring. Female trees follow with rounded to oval drupes 6-12 mm (0.2-0.5 in) that ripen red to black, each seated on a small cup. All parts are aromatic when crushed, in the manner of the laurel family. N. sericea of Japan, Korea, and China is grown more than other species in the genus. Neolitsea needs frost-free or nearly frost-free conditions and grows slowly, which limits its use to mild and subtropical climates.
Native Range
Neolitsea is native to eastern and southern Asia, from the Himalayas and India through China, Japan, and Korea to Southeast Asia and Malesia. Plants grow as understorey and canopy components of warm-temperate, subtropical, and tropical forests, often in moist, sheltered valleys.Suggested Uses
Grown as an evergreen specimen, screen, or woodland-edge tree in frost-free gardens, spaced 3-6 m (10-20 ft) apart according to species. The silky new growth and aromatic foliage give year-round interest, and the autumn fruit feeds birds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 50'
Width/Spread10' - 25'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark green, blue-grey beneath; new growth golden-silveryGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-7 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