Symplocos spp.

sweetleaf

Symplocaceae

Tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, and the Americas

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Fragrant (light)

Native to North America

SunPart Shade – Full Sun

WaterMedium

Overview

Symplocos spp. 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 spp. 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

Recognised by simple, alternate, often leathery leaves with finely toothed margins that frequently dry to a yellow cast. Clusters of small, many-stamened white to yellow flowers and small one-seeded drupes in blue, black, or brown aid identification. Foliage with a yellowish tone and a faint sweetness separates Symplocos spp. from superficially similar Ilex spp. and Eurya spp..

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 65'

Width/Spread3' - 30'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks

Spring

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 yellow

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Sun

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Most Symplocos spp. species grow in part shade to full sun on moist, humus-rich, acidic soils with a pH of about 4.5 to 6.5, and they become chlorotic on alkaline ground. Evergreen tropical species need frost-free conditions, while temperate species tolerate light frost once established. Plants need steady moisture and are intolerant of prolonged drought, which causes leaf drop. Propagation is from seed, which is often slow and erratic to germinate, or from semi-hardwood cuttings. Growth is moderate, and many species form an open, layered crown in shade.

Pruning

Little pruning is needed beyond removing dead or crossing wood and shaping young plants. Evergreen species tolerate light trimming after flowering, and hedged plantings can be cut to hold density. Cutting back into old wood regenerates slowly.

✓ Toxicity

Non-toxic

Symplocos spp.

sweetleaf

Symplocaceae

Tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, and the Americas

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Fragrant (light)

Native to North America

SunPart Shade – Full Sun

WaterMedium

Overview

Native Range

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.