Taiwanese Photinia
(Photinia serratifolia)
Taiwanese Photinia (Photinia serratifolia)
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Shotstars
CC BY-SA 4.0
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Shotstars
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CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo by: Shotstars | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Shotstars | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: PIC_20160424_Photinia_serratifolia.jpg | Notes: Uploaded own work with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Photinia serratifolia, commonly known as Taiwanese Photinia, is an evergreen tree native to forest margins, thickets, and valleys in East Asia, including China, Taiwan, Japan, and Southeast Asia. It typically grows to 4–6 m (13–20 ft) in height, but can reach up to 12 m (39 ft). Taiwanese Photinia has a striking appearance with glossy, serrated leaves that emerge red before turning green. In spring, it produces clusters of small, white flowers with a strong, distinctive odor, followed by bright red fruits in autumn that persist into winter. The fruits are small pomes, 4–12 millimeters in diameter, each containing one to four seeds, and are favored by birds such as thrushes, waxwings, and starlings, which aid in seed dispersal.
Taiwanese Photinia is valued for its ornamental foliage, especially the red new growth, and its ability to provide year-round interest in gardens and urban landscapes. It is often used for screening, hedges, and as a specimen plant. Despite its beauty, gardeners should be cautious as the leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, which are toxic. It thrives in a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade and is adaptable to various soil types with different drainage speeds. While it is relatively easy to maintain, the strong odor of its flowers during the blooming period has led to some complaints in urban areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Taiwanese Photinia is valued for its ornamental foliage, especially the red new growth, and its ability to provide year-round interest in gardens and urban landscapes. It is often used for screening, hedges, and as a specimen plant. Despite its beauty, gardeners should be cautious as the leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, which are toxic. It thrives in a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade and is adaptable to various soil types with different drainage speeds. While it is relatively easy to maintain, the strong odor of its flowers during the blooming period has led to some complaints in urban areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 12-20 feet
- Width: 9-16 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Hedges, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Forest margins, thickets, and valleys in East Asia, including China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia
Other Names
Common Names: Chinese Photinia, Japanese Photinia, Kahle Glanzmispel, Shi Nan
Scientific Names: , Photinia serratifolia, Photinia serrulata, Photinia serratifolia var. serratifolia, Photinia glabra var. chinensis, Crataegus serratifolia, Photinia serrulata var. aculeata, Stranvaesia argyi, Photinia dentata, Photinia glabra subsp. chinensis
GBIF Accepted Name: Photinia serratifolia (Desf.) Kalkman