Other Names:  Raisintree

Description:

This medium sized tree usually has a strong central leader with small diameter main branches; large, glossy green foliage does not change color in fall; fragrant, greenish-white flowers, followed by red raisin-like fruits; a great accent tree

Ornamental Features

Japanese Raisin Tree features showy cymes of fragrant white flowers at the ends of the branches in early summer. It has attractive dark green deciduous foliage. The glossy pointy leaves are highly ornamental but do not develop any appreciable fall color. The fruits are showy red drupes carried in abundance in late summer. The fruit can be messy if allowed to drop on the lawn or walkways, and may require occasional clean-up. The furrowed gray bark and brown branches add an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Japanese Raisin Tree is an open multi-stemmed deciduous tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting birds and butterflies to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Japanese Raisin Tree is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade
• Hedges/Screening

Planting & Growing

Japanese Raisin Tree will grow to be about 35 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 25 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.