Oil-Seed Camellia

(Camellia oleifera)

Oil-Seed Camellia (Camellia oleifera)

David J. Stang

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: David J. Stang

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: David J. Stang | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: David Stang | Publisher: Wikipedia Commons

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Camellia oleifera, commonly known as Oil-Seed Camellia, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the forested mountain slopes and woodland margins of China and Southeast Asia. It typically reaches a height of 20 feet, featuring thin, upright, multiple trunks and branches. The plant is characterized by its single, white, fragrant flowers that bloom in mid to late fall, adding a touch of elegance to the garden when few other plants are in flower. The foliage consists of dark green, glossy leaves that are larger than those of Camellia sasanqua, measuring three to five inches long and two to three inches wide. The crown can form a rounded or oval vase shape, especially when lower branches are removed, creating an attractive silhouette.

Oil-Seed Camellia is valued for its fragrant, showy flowers and its utility in producing tea seed oil from its seeds, which is used in cooking and cosmetics. It is a popular choice for ornamental plantings, hedges, and as a specimen plant in residential gardens. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water, preferring well-drained, acidic soils rich in organic matter. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to camellia petal blight and scale insects. Gardeners should be aware of these potential issues and monitor for signs of disease or pests.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
Height: 10-20 feet
Width: 10-20 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Fall, Winter
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to the forested mountain slopes and woodland margins of China

Other Names

Common Names: Tea-Oil-Plant , Sasanqua Camellia , Öl-Teestrauch , Öltee , Abura-Tsubaki , You Cha

Scientific Names: Camellia sasanqua , Camellia oleifera , Camellia vietnamensis , Camellia drupifera , Camellia oleifera var. monosperma , Camellia oleosa , Camellia miyagii , Thea drupifera , Camellia sasanqua var. latifolia , Camellia sasanqua var. angustifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Camellia oleifera Abel.