Trochodendron, Genus, aralioides, Species,
- Genus & species
wheel tree
Overview
Trochodendron is a genus in the family Trochodendraceae represented by a single living species, the wheel tree (Trochodendron aralioides), native to the cool, moist forests of Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and southern China. It grows as an evergreen tree or large shrub 20-65 feet (6-20 m) tall, with smooth grey bark and leathery, oval to diamond-shaped leaves crowded in whorl-like clusters at the branch tips. The leaf margins are toothed toward the tip, and the foliage holds a glossy deep green year-round. In late spring it bears terminal racemes of small flowers that lack petals; each shows a ring of green stamens and carpels arranged like the spokes of a wheel, the source of the common name. The fruit is a ring of small follicles that splits to release winged seeds. The wood lacks the water-conducting vessels found in most flowering plants, moving water instead through tracheids. The genus needs cool, humid conditions and acidic, free-draining soil, and grows slowly.
Native Range
Native to East Asia, in the cool temperate and montane forests of Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and southern China.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen and shade tree in cool-climate woodland gardens and large borders. Used where evergreen structure and wheel-shaped flowers are wanted in mild, moist regions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 65'
Width/Spread10' - 25'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
glossy deep 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
