The Genus Distylium
Family Hamamelidaceae
This is a small genus of shrubs and trees native to Asia. A few are cultivated but none is common in the Coastal Southeast. One or two species may be found in specialty nurseries in the region.
The witch hazel family, Hamamelidaceae, includes fothergilla (Fothergilla,) witch hazel (Hamamelis) and Persian ironwood (Parrotia.) Some botanists include sweetgum (Liquidambar) in the family.
The witch hazel family, Hamamelidaceae, includes fothergilla (Fothergilla,) witch hazel (Hamamelis) and Persian ironwood (Parrotia.) Some botanists include sweetgum (Liquidambar) in the family.
Distylium myricoides
Distylium myricoides
blue-leafed izu tree
This is a slow-growing, spreading evergreen shrub reported by some sources to grow to about three feet tall and to twelve feet by others. A dwarf cultivar, 'Lucky Charm,' is reported to grow to three feet tall. Possibly, this is the reason for the discrepancy in reported sizes. Leaves have a slight bluish cast. Small, burgundy, witch-hazel-like flowers are borne in late winter with the new leaves. This plant grows well in a reasonably well-drained soil in sun to part shade. It is somewhat drought tolerant once established. I see what appears to be salt damage (dead leaf tips) where it is watered with reclaimed water. It is recommended for zones 7 to 9.
This plant is available in specialty catalogs. I find little information about this plant. A couple of references state that it will root from cuttings, with one recommending fall hardwood cuttings.
My plants produce flowers followed soon by new leaves in mid-February to late March, depending on late winter temperatures. It is slow growing.
This is a slow-growing, spreading evergreen shrub reported by some sources to grow to about three feet tall and to twelve feet by others. A dwarf cultivar, 'Lucky Charm,' is reported to grow to three feet tall. Possibly, this is the reason for the discrepancy in reported sizes. Leaves have a slight bluish cast. Small, burgundy, witch-hazel-like flowers are borne in late winter with the new leaves. This plant grows well in a reasonably well-drained soil in sun to part shade. It is somewhat drought tolerant once established. I see what appears to be salt damage (dead leaf tips) where it is watered with reclaimed water. It is recommended for zones 7 to 9.
This plant is available in specialty catalogs. I find little information about this plant. A couple of references state that it will root from cuttings, with one recommending fall hardwood cuttings.
My plants produce flowers followed soon by new leaves in mid-February to late March, depending on late winter temperatures. It is slow growing.