This small tree is most easily recognizable in the summer, when it sports large, white flowers. These beautiful blooms appear from June to August in most climates, followed by spectacular fall foliage. This tree is native to Japan, but does well in the moist soil of Washington state. The bark of this tree is multicolored, with a visibly mottled look. When Stewartia flowers are not out, this unique bark is the best identifier for this species.
Image by Alpsdake, Wiki Creative Commons
Foliage
This foliage is a knockout in the fall, turning bright red and orange. Leaves are soft and oval shaped. They are green in the spring and summer, with white veins.
Seeds or Cones
Stewartia seeds form in a pod, which when mature will turn brown and break open to reveal the seeds inside
All illustrations by A.S. Longman
Did you know?
This tree can be propagated by taking cuttings of new shoots, a method that does not work on all types of trees.
Download your own QR code here! On a phone, tap and hold to save. On a computer, right click. See the "make a sign" page for detailed instructions on how to make your own sign, and access additional tools!