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Stewartia malacodendron (Silky camellia)
Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn

Stewartia malacodendron L.

Silky camellia, Virginia stewartia

Theaceae (Tea Family)

USDA Symbol: stma

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Silky camellia is a large, open-branched shrub growing up to 10 feet tall. Leaves are alternate, deciduous, 2–4 inches long and half as wide, silky below, and distinctly veined. Flowers are white to cream-colored, 2–3 inches across, and saucer-shaped. The petals are crimped at the margins and wider at the tip. The numerous dark-purple stamen filaments and bluish anthers are conspicuous.

This genus, related to the evergreen camellias, honors John Stuart (1713-92), the Earl of Bute and a patron of botany. The species name is Greek for soft tree, referring to the silky hairs covering the lower leaf surface.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 6-12 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
Bloom Notes: Flowers are white to cream-colored.

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , FL , GA , LA , MS , NC , SC , TX , VA
Native Distribution: Coastal plain from s.e. VA to FL & extreme e. TX
Native Habitat: Wooded banks & hillsides
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Description: Acid, humus-rich, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: Silky camellia prefers deep shade during the heat of the day, but thrives on early morning sun.

Propagation

Description: One method of propagation by seed is to sow fresh seeds in cold frame or greenhouse and keep the seedlings lightly shaded the first year. Another method is to double-stratify the seeds and fall sow in a well-protected spot. Germination may take two year
Seed Collection: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

LAMTREE FARM - Warrensville, NC

Bibliography

Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy Wasowski
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller

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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 page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Stewartia malacodendron in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Stewartia malacodendron in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Stewartia malacodendron

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-02-18
Research By: TWC Staff

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