Eucommia ulmoides (Hardy Rubber Tree, Gutta-Percha, Dùzhòng (Chinese))

Michael's Opinion

It is an ideal specimen tree since it tough and tolerant of most site conditions and is disease and pest free. Notable ornamental characteristics included the attractive dark green glossy leaves,

Botanical Information

FamilyEucommiaceae
GenusEucommia
Speciesulmoides
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
ReferencesA-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants Canadian Edition by Christopher Brickell and Trevor Cole. DK Publishing, Inc. 10/28/2004 Manual of Woody Landscape Plants 6th Edition by Michael A. Dirr. Stipes Publishing LLC 7/28/2009 Dirr’s Hardy Trees and Shrubs by Michael A. Dirr. Timber Press, Inc. 10/1/1997 Taylor’s Guide to Trees by Gordon P. DeWolf, Jr. A Chanticleer Press Edition. Based on Taylor’s Encyclopedia of Gardening 4th Edition by Norman Taylor 1961.
OriginFrom central China in the provinces of Anhui, Gansu, Guizhou, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Shanxi, Sichuan and Zhejiang. Fossil records have been found of the genus in central Europe that date to 10-35 million years old. Additionally fossil records have been found in North America and multiple sites in Asia indicating a once, much wider ranging distribution of the plant.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		It has been used for medicinal purposes in China for over 2,000 years, but has little commercial value. The bark is stripped, the latex is then removed and used to treat various ailments and pains and as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It is considered on of the 50 main herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. The wood is used in pattens, a traditional Chinese shoe.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4b-7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-30
Height12 m
Spread8 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodApril

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionIt is the only member in its family and the only hardy deciduous tree that produces rubber that can be grown in North America. It has been used for medicinal purposes in China for over 2,000 years, but has little commercial value.
ID CharacteristicThe most notable characteristics are the attractive dark green glossy leaves which reveal thick white latex filled veins when pulled apart.
ShapeIt has a dense rounded crown.
LandscapeGood for use as shade or street tree as it is tolerant on a wide variety of soil and site conditions.
PropagationFresh seed should be sown immediately in a cold frame and should germinate the following spring. Stored seed should be stratified for 3 months 2°C. Seedlings should be grown on for a season before planting out.
CultivationIt does well in full sun and moist soil but can thrive in almost any environment. Fairly drought tolerant and prefers well drained soil. It is intolerant of shade.
PestsPest and disease free.
Notable SpecimensThe Gardens of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario, Canada. The Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatFound in mountainous to lower mountains regions, valleys or sparse forests at elevations of 300 - 500 m.
Bark/Stem DescriptionBark is grey-brown in colour and becomes ridged and furrowed with age.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionBuds are chestnut brown, sessile and ovoid.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are glossy, dark green and prominently veined. Simple, serrate, alternate and elliptical to oblong. They are 5-7.5 cm long and composed of 3% latex.
Flower DescriptionDioecious, flowers bloom before leaf emergence, lack petals or sepals and are brown inconspicuous clusters.
Fruit DescriptionFruit is waxy-fleshy oval to oblong, 3-4 cm winged nutlet.
Colour DescriptionDark green glossy leaves with thick white veins. Leaves lighten slightly before leaf drop but have no autumn colour. Bark is grey-brown in colour and flowers are inconspicuous brown clusters.
Texture DescriptionTexture is medium and remains that way throughout the season.

Photographs