Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Pterostyrax Hispidus / Fragrant Epaulette tree, 1 by Decumbent

Decumbent wrote:
Hi Sofer,

I have one I grew from seed which I've planted in my neighbor's yard. Right now it's looking pretty toasty since it leafed out just in time for winter's encore. I've only grown it for a few years but this I can tell you. I never water the stuff on the other side of the fence and it has never wilted, so it is drought tolerant. The soil over there is pretty ordinary and it does fine. I can't tell yet what the roots will be like.

Pterostyrax hispida is a much coarser tree than any of the Styrax, except for the possible exception of Styrax obassia, which, despite its large leaves, generally present a pleasing outline in the garden. Pterostyrax corymbosa, from the few times I've viewed this tree at Mt. Airy Arboretum, seems much more Styrax like in form and coarseness, although probably larger. I've seen neither Pterostyrax in flower yet.

I will now go to my files and see what photos I can unearth of these trees. The first one I found is P. hispida at Spring Grove. It looks like their tree is pretty young too.

scott