Schisandra, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
magnolia vine
Eastern Asia and southeastern North America
Overview
Schisandra is a genus of about 25 woody, twining deciduous and semi-evergreen climbers in the family Schisandraceae, native to eastern Asia and the southeastern United States. A widely grown species is S. chinensis, the source of the five-flavor berry used in herbal medicine. Stems twine to 15-30 feet (4.5-9 m) into trees and onto supports, with oval to elliptic leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long that are glossy green and turn yellow in autumn on deciduous species. Most species are dioecious, carrying small, cup-shaped, fragrant cream to pink flowers about 0.5 inch (12 mm) across in spring. Female plants produce drooping spikes of red berries in late summer and autumn. The vines grow in moist woodland and along stream banks, and need a male and a female plant for fruiting. Without support the stems scramble over the ground rather than climbing.
Native Range
Native to eastern and Southeast Asia, including China, Korea, Japan, and the Himalayas, with one species (S. glabra) in the southeastern United States. Grows in moist deciduous and mixed woodland, forest margins, and along stream banks in humus-rich soil.Suggested Uses
Grown on trellises, pergolas, fences, and into trees in woodland and shade gardens, spaced 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) apart. Female plants with a pollinating male are grown for the red berries used in herbal preparations. The vigorous twining stems make the vines unsuited to small supports.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 30'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Bloom Information
Fragrant flowers open in spring, roughly April to June depending on climate and species. Flowering lasts about two weeks. On female plants pollinated flowers develop into red berry spikes that ripen from late summer into autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Cream to pinkFoliage Description
Glossy greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
