Common Sweetleaf
(Symplocos tinctoria)
Common Sweetleaf (Symplocos tinctoria)
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Evan M. Raskin
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Evan M. Raskin
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Evan M. Raskin | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Evan M. Raskin | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-04-26T10:49:04-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Symplocos tinctoria, commonly known as Common Sweetleaf, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the understory of southeastern forests, coastal plains, and stream banks in the Southeastern USA and Texas. It typically grows to a height of 6-15 feet (1.8-4.5 meters) and a similar width, featuring a multi-stemmed form with a rounded crown. The fragrant flowers are creamy yellow to yellow, appearing in clusters from the axils of the previous year’s leaves or just above the leaf scars in early spring, from March to May, before the emergence of new leaves. These blossoms are quite showy and attract pollinators. The foliage is dark green and elliptical, turning yellow in the fall, providing additional seasonal interest.
Common Sweetleaf is valued for its fragrant, showy flowers and its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, including partial shade, which is more typical of its natural habitat. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, as an understory tree in woodland gardens, and for stream bank stabilization due to its tolerance for wet soils. It prefers acidic to neutral soils and can tolerate both high and medium water conditions. While it is adaptable to full sun, it will also do well in part shade, which can help to prevent leaf scorch in hotter climates. The plant is also a source of yellow dye from its bark and leaves, which can be of interest for natural dyeing practices. Potential problems include leaf spot and occasional insect pests, but these are generally not severe. Sweetleaf is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease issues.CC BY-SA 4.0
Common Sweetleaf is valued for its fragrant, showy flowers and its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, including partial shade, which is more typical of its natural habitat. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, as an understory tree in woodland gardens, and for stream bank stabilization due to its tolerance for wet soils. It prefers acidic to neutral soils and can tolerate both high and medium water conditions. While it is adaptable to full sun, it will also do well in part shade, which can help to prevent leaf scorch in hotter climates. The plant is also a source of yellow dye from its bark and leaves, which can be of interest for natural dyeing practices. Potential problems include leaf spot and occasional insect pests, but these are generally not severe. Sweetleaf is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease issues.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
- Height: 40-48 feet
- Width: 26-32 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Cream, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Understory of southeastern forests, coastal plains, and stream banks in the Southeastern USA and Texas
Other Names
Common Names: Horse-Sugar, Yellowwood
Scientific Names: , Symplocos tinctoria, Hopea tinctoria, Symplocos tinctoria var. ashei, Symplocos tinctoria var. tinctoria, Eugeniodes tinctorium, Protohopea tinctoria, Symplocos tinctoria var. pygmaea,
GBIF Accepted Name: Symplocos tinctoria (L.) L’Hér.