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Hovenia dulcis

Previously known as:

  • H. acerba
  • H. inequalis
Phonetic Spelling
ho-VEN-ee-uh DUL-sis
Description

The scientific name dulcis translates to sweet in reference to it fleshy fruit stalks. 

Although able to reach heights of up to 50', this tree typically grows to approximately 30' in height in cultivation.   This large tree has long ascending main branches and few lateral branches.  

This tree casts light shade and has gray to gray-brown bark. It has fragrant flowers in the summer.  Trees do not flower until they reach an age of 3 to 4 years old.  

When grown from seed, they may not germinate for up to one year.  Spending its first winter in a greenhouse will benefit the survival of small trees.  Protection from winter frosts for its first several years outdoors can also help the plant survive.

The edible fruit has a taste and texture similar to raisins.  It is referred to as a fruit, but is actually a swollen receptacle. Each pea-sized fruit contains 3 seeds, which are not likely to ripen in cultivation. They are also fragrant.  An extract from the seed, as well as young leaves is used as a honey substitute. 

Although the flowers are insignificant when in bloom, its stalk becomes swollen, red and edible after subjected to frost.  At that time they are edible and have a sweet flavor.

The hard and finely grained wood from this tree is used in furniture manufacturing. 

Typically grown as a tree, it may be grown as a shrub.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect or disease issues.  

Although somewhat frost-tolerant, its new shoots can be damaged by winter frost and late frosts.  

New trees can be difficult to get established.  They are known to die in their first several years due to frost.  Temperatures over 85 degrees Fahrenheit can also cause damage to this plant.

In the wild, it can rapidly invade forests and forming dense stands, thereby obstructing the growth of native plants.  Its spread can be difficult to control, its seed spread by birds and other wildlife.

The dropping fruits can be messy.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#shade tree#fragrant flowers#showy fruits#messy#frost tolerant#edible fruits#deciduous tree#messy fruits#heat intolerant#shade intolerant#edible#broadleaf
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#shade tree#fragrant flowers#showy fruits#messy#frost tolerant#edible fruits#deciduous tree#messy fruits#heat intolerant#shade intolerant#edible#broadleaf
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Hovenia
    Species:
    dulcis
    Family:
    Rhamnaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Young foliage and fruits are edible, a substitute for honey.
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    East Asia, China and the Himalayas
    Wildlife Value:
    Birds are attracted to the fruits.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Edible fruit
    Fragrance
    Shade
    Edibility:
    Its fruits are edible, often used as a sweetener.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Ascending
    Erect
    Open
    Oval
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    more than 60 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Drupe
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Fleshy, red, edible seed capsules can be eaten both raw and cooked. They can cause a litter problem.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Green
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Cyme
    Insignificant
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Fragrant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Star
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    The tiny, inconspicuous, cream-colored flowers form in clusters in early summer. The flowers are attractive to insects.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Elliptical
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Its glossy, green leaves are 4-6" long. They may turn yellow before dropping in the fall, but falling green leaves is not uncommon.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Dark Gray
    Light Gray
    Surface/Attachment:
    Ridges
    Bark Description:
    Gray to gray-brown
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Meadow
    Landscape Theme:
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Flowering Tree
    Specimen
    Street Tree
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Diseases
    Insect Pests
    Problems:
    Messy