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Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Symplocos tinctoria (L.) L'Hér.
Horsesugar, Common sweetleaf, Sweetleaf
Symplocaceae (Sweetleaf Family)
USDA Symbol: SYTI
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A deciduous or weakly evergreen shrub or small tree to 18 ft. that usually flowers before the leaves appear. The compact clusters of small, fragrant, cream-colored flowers are borne in profusion along the branches of the previous season’s growth. Numerous stamens make the blooms particularly showy. Shrub or small tree with short trunk, open crown of spreading branches, and foliage with sweetish taste.
The common names Sweetleaf and Horsesugar refer to the tasty foliage, which livestock eat greedily. The name Yellowwood and the Latin species name allude to a yellow dye once obtained from the bark and leaves. The bark, like others with bitter aromatic properties, was used by early settlers as a tonic.
From the Image Gallery
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Size Class: 36-72 ft.
Fruit Type: Drupe
Fruit Color: Orange
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Feb , Mar , Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , DE , FL , GA , LA , MD , MS , NY , NC , OK , SC , TN , TX , VANative Distribution: S. DE to FL, w. to e. TX; also s.e. OK, AR & TN
Native Habitat: Sandy thickets; alluvial woods; stream banks
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet
Soil Description: Wet or moist, sandy or alluvial soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Acid-based.
Conditions Comments: Not Available
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Aromatic, Showy, Blooms ornamentalUse Wildlife: Foliage relished by browsers. Nectar-insects, Browse, Seeds-granivorous birds.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Kings hairstreak butterfly.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS
Bibliography
Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski and WasowskiTexas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife (1999) Damude, N. & K.C. Bender
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Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Symplocos tinctoria in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Symplocos tinctoria in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Symplocos tinctoria
Metadata
Record Modified: 2009-02-18Research By: TWC Staff
