Stewartia monadelpha, commonly known as Tall Stewartia or Orangebark Stewartia, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the cool temperate forests of Japan. It typically grows to a height of 25 feet but can occasionally reach up to 80 feet in its natural habitat. The bark is a distinctive orange or cinnamon-brown, peeling in strips to reveal a smooth, attractive texture. The leaves are elliptic and serrated, turning a striking red in the autumn. Small, camellia-like white flowers with prominent yellow stamens bloom in June and are quite showy, adding to the plant’s ornamental value.

Tall Stewartia is valued for its beautiful exfoliating bark, which provides year-round interest, and its vibrant fall foliage. It is used in cultivation for border planting, as a specimen tree, and in woodland gardens. This species thrives in partial shade but can tolerate full sun if provided with well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. It requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and canker diseases. Gardeners should be aware that it may not flower prolifically every year, and it is best to avoid transplanting mature specimens due to their sensitivity.CC BY-SA 4.0