Stachyurus salicifolius (Willow Leaf Spiketail)


Botanical Information

FamilyStachyuraceae
GenusStachyurus
Speciessalicifolius
SynonymsStachyurus salicifolia
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginNative to Chongqing (Nanchuan), Sichuan, and North East Yunnan, China.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone7b - 8a
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-15 - 10
Height2-3 m
Flowering PeriodApril, May

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionShrubs evergreen, 2-3 m tall.
ID CharacteristicThis species is often easily distinguishable from other species in the genus by its usually linear-lanceolate, leathery or thickly papery leaves.
ShapeSprawling to mounding.
LandscapeUnusual specimen shrub. Suitable for shrub border or for growing in a woodland garden or against a wall.
PropagationPropagate by softwood or heeled semi-ripe cuttings
CultivationGrow in light moist but well-drained, humus-rich, neutral to acidic soils. Protect from drying winds.
PestsVine weevils, scale insects, honey fungus, powdery mildew, and bud blast.
Notable SpecimensNational Trust Trelissick Garden, Feock, near Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
HabitatFound in broad-leaved and mixed forests or thickets on mountain slopes, along stream sides and in mountain valleys at 800-2000 m.
Bark/Stem DescriptionBark is brown or purple-brown in colour.
Leaf DescriptionLeaf blade linear-lanceolate or narrowly lanceolate, 7-16 cm long × 1-2 cm wide, leathery or thickly papery, both surfaces glabrous, mid-vein raised on both sides, lateral veins 6-8 paired, anastomosing at margin, base obtuse to rounded, margin inconspicuously serrate, apex acuminate.
Flower DescriptionSpikes erect or nodding, 5-7 cm, peduncles short. Flowers yellow-green, sessile, bract triangular, apex acute, bracteoles ovate, ciliate, apex acute. Sepals ovate, ciliate, apex obtuse. Petals obovate, apex obtuse or subrounded.
Fruit DescriptionFruit globose, 5-6 mm in diameter.

Photographs