Neolitsea sericea, commonly known as Silky Neolitsea, is an evergreen tree native to various ecosystems including subtropical forests, forest margins, and slopes in East Asia, specifically China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. It is a medium-sized tree that can reach up to 33 feet (10 meters) in height and is often found in well-developed secondary forests. The tree is characterized by its glossy, lanceolate leaves that are green on the top and distinctly silvery-white on the underside, which adds a unique textural quality to the foliage. It produces small, inconspicuous yellow flowers in the fall, followed by red berries that can attract birds and other wildlife.

Silky Neolitsea is valued for its ornamental foliage and is used in garden landscapes for its contrasting leaf colors. It is suitable for urban planting, border planting, and as a specimen tree. The tree prefers well-drained soils, moderate water, and thrives in full sun to part shade conditions. While it is not commonly available in cultivation, it can be a distinctive addition to a garden with its silvery foliage. Care should be taken when planting Neolitsea sericea as it may require protection from strong winds due to its large leaves. There are no significant disease or pest issues reported, but it is not tolerant of severe frost.CC BY-SA 4.0