Habitat

• native to the eastern United States
• zone 4

Habit and Form

• a small deciduous tree
• reaches a maximum height of around 25'
• has horizontal or tiered branching
• branching is also sympodial
• shape is often somewhat irregular, but can be more or less rounded
• loose and open density

Summer Foliage

• alternate leaf arrangement
• foliage typically whorled near the branch tips
• leaves are simple, elliptic with an acuminate tip
• leaves are 2" to 5" long and 1" to 2.5" wide
• fairly long petiole
• leaf color is medium to dark green

Autumn Foliage

• not developing an outstanding impact
• a mix of yellow with reddish purple mixing in

Flowers

• small, white flowers
• borne in flat clusters
• flowering occurs in late May and early June
• fragrant
• flowering can be described as moderately showy

Fruit

• changes from green to blue-black, passing through a reddish stage
• showy color develops in late July and august, but fruits don't persist long
• fruit stalks remains and turn a pleasing coral red color

Bark

• older bark is gray brown and lightly ridged and furrowed
• younger bark is smooth and reddish brown

Culture

• cool, moist, acidic soils are best
• partial shade is ideal
• full sun is acceptable if the site is not hot and dry
• performs best in colder climates

Landscape Use

• works best in naturalistic areas
• edges of woods
• edges of shaded waterways
• useful for its interesting horizontal branching
• as a specimen

Liabilities

• somewhat short-lived
• needs specific site requirements
• twig blight and canker are significant problems in some locations

ID Features

• a small tree or large shrub
• sympodial branching
• leaves whorled at the tips
• reddish frit stalks
• flat clusters of small white flowers in late spring
• smooth reddish-brown bark on young branches

Propagation

• by seed
• by cuttings

Cultivars/Varieties

'Argentea' (also sometimes listed as 'Variegata') - The only commonly available cultivar, it is a rare form that is difficult to propagate and therefore fetches a high price. It is a smaller, shrubby plant (to 15' tall) with layered branches and leaves that are handsomely variegated with a white margin. Specialty nurseries are beginning to offer this selection in greater numbers.