Elaeocarpus sylvestrisWoodland Elaeocarpus

Grown for a habit that is naturally conical without pruning, Elaeocarpus sylvestris is an evergreen tree of eastern Asia reaching 8 to 15 metres, with narrow leathery leaves of a deep glossy green. A scattering of leaves turns bright red at any time of year, giving a permanent flicker of colour through the canopy.

It clips readily into formal columns and hedges, which has made it a standard street and boundary tree in subtropical cities.

Specifications

• Height8 to 15 metres
• Width5 to 8 metres
• Native toSouthern China, Taiwan, Japan and Indochina
• FoliageNarrow leathery obovate leaves, glossy dark green, with scattered leaves turning bright red year-round; evergreen
• Growth rateModerate

Conditions

• SoilPrefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils
• LightFull sun to partial shade
• WaterModerate; water through extended dry periods
• ClimateThrives in subtropical and warm temperate regions

Additional Features

• FormDense conical to columnar crown that holds shape with light clipping
• FlowersSmall white fringed flowers in hanging racemes, lightly fragrant
• FruitSmall blue-black drupes following the flowers
• UsesIdeal for street and avenue planting, formal screening and boundary hedges
• SpacingPlant 4 to 6 metres apart for a formal avenue or screen
• Low MaintenanceHolds a formal shape with one or two cuts a year
• Pest ResistanceGenerally sound and resilient
• Seasonal AppealScattered scarlet leaves set against dark green foliage all year

Woodland Elaeocarpus is the formal evergreen street tree of choice where a clipped, columnar line is wanted year round.