Symplocos, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
sweetleaf
Tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, and the Americas
SunPart Shade – Full Sun
WaterMedium
Overview
Symplocos is a large genus of roughly 250 to 300 species of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs in the family Symplocaceae, distributed through tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Plants range from low shrubs to trees 30-65 feet (9-20 m) tall, with simple, alternate leaves that are often leathery and finely toothed. Foliage of several species dries yellow, and the leaves of S. tinctoria and others contain aluminium compounds historically used as a yellow dye and mordant, which gives the genus its common name sweetleaf. Small, fragrant flowers are white to cream or yellow, carry many stamens, and are borne in clusters or short spikes. They are followed by single-seeded drupes that ripen blue, black, or brown and are eaten by birds. Most species grow in moist, acidic forest soils and are sensitive to lime and prolonged drought, which limits their use on alkaline or arid sites. Some Asian species are evergreen and frost-tender, while temperate species such as the North American S. tinctoria are deciduous or semi-evergreen and tolerate light frost.
Native Range
Symplocos is widespread in tropical and subtropical Asia and Australia, with a second centre in the Americas from the south-eastern United States through Central America to Brazil and the Andes. The genus is absent from Africa and Europe.Suggested Uses
Grown as woodland and shrub-border plants, informal screens, and small specimen trees on acidic soils. Flowering and fruiting species are planted to support birds and pollinating insects.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 65'
Width/Spread3' - 30'
Bloom Information
Flowering is mainly in spring, though tropical species can bloom over a longer season. The fragrant flowers open in clusters along the stems and last one to two weeks, followed by fruit that ripens through summer and autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to yellowFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 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
Water & Climate
Water Needs
