Osmanthus americana - (L.)A.Gray.
(L.)A.Gray.
gbif· cc-by-nc
President and Fellows of Harvard College
gbif· cc-by-nc
President and Fellows of Harvard College
gbif· cc-by-nc
President and Fellows of Harvard College
Description
Osmanthus americana is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft 3in). It is in leaf all year. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Edible Uses
Fruit. This needs further verification.
Distribution
Eastern N. America - Florida to Louisiana, north to Virginia.
Where It Grows
Coming Soon
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy outdoors in Britain, though judging by its native range it is likely to be succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a good loamy soil, but succeeds in most soils in sun or part shade. Plants are very tolerant of being transplanted, moving well even when quite large. The flowers are deliciously scented. If plants are clipped after flowering they will flower more freely each year.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a coldframe. Stored seed probably germinates best if it is given 3 months warm then 3 months cold stratification before sowing. The seed usually takes 6 - 18 months to germinate, it should be pricked out into individual pots when it is large enough to handle. Grow the plants on for their first winter in the greenhouse and plant them out in early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood taken at the end of July, in a frame with bottom heat. Cuttings of almost ripe wood, 7 - 12cm with a heel, September/October in a cold frame. A good percentage. Plant out in the spring 18 months later. Layering in spring or autumn. Partially sever the layer leads in the following late summer and plant out in the autumn. High percentage.
Other Uses
Wood. Wood - heavy, very hard, strong, durable, difficult to work.
