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Native Plant Database

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Stewartia ovata (Mountain camellia)
Bloodworth, Stefan

Stewartia ovata (Cav.) Weatherby

Mountain camellia, Mountain stewartia

Theaceae (Tea Family)

USDA Symbol: stov

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A 12-20 ft., oval-shaped shrub. Solitary or few-clustered trunked with strongly ascending branches. Dark-brown bark is smooth, with patches of exfoliating sheets revealing orange inner bark. Colorful fall foliage. Large, showy, solitary, white flower with crimped and scalloped edges and numerous purple stamens. Shrub or small tree with gray; hairless twigs, bright green foliage, and large white flowers.

Though found in 8 states, this uncommon species is mostly confined to the southern Appalachians. The scientific name refers to the egg-shaped leaves.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Fruit:
Size Class: 12-36 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Jul

Distribution

USA: AL , FL , GA , KY , MS , NC , SC , TN , VA
Native Distribution: VA to s.e. KY, s. to n. GA & AL
Native Habitat: Wooded stream margins in the mountains
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Moist, humus rich, sandy loams.
Conditions Comments: Disease and insect free but sensitive to drought and soil compaction.

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.

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

Metadata

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

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