Lance Leaf Azara Azara lanceolata
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Azara brumalis
- Azara chiloensis
- Azara lanceolata var. chiloensis
- Azara serrata var. chiloensis
- Phonetic Spelling
- ah-ZAR-ah lan-see-oh-LAH-tah
- Description
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Lance-leaf Azara is a tall arching shrub or small tree in the willow family. This plant was discovered by Charles Darwin in 1834, and is native to Argentina and Chile. The genus name, Azara, is thought to honor the Spanish naturalist, Felix de Azara (1742-1821). Sgnr Azara was in South America in the late 1700s. Lanceolata, the species name, describes the leaf form - like a lance's point. This small tree is hardy to Zone 8 and likes moist loam or loamy sand. It can tolerate full and part shade making it a possible edition to the edge of a woodland. Although there is a tree form that could reach 30 feet, the height is usually around twenty. It can also make an arching, fan shaped shrub.
The tree has striking bright golden yellow flowers in the spring with a faint vanilla scent. They make a wonderful show against the glossy green leaves. They are followed by lavender to purple berries. These could be a bit of a problem if they dropped on a path but they are attractive to birds.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Azara lanceolata 'Variegata'
This cultivar has leaves with irregularly shaped white-yellow borders. It is weaker growing and less winter hardy.
- Azara lanceolata 'Variegata'
- Azara lanceolata 'Variegata'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Azara lanceolata 'Variegata'
This cultivar has leaves with irregularly shaped white-yellow borders. It is weaker growing and less winter hardy.
- Azara lanceolata 'Variegata'
- Azara lanceolata 'Variegata'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Azara
- Species:
- lanceolata
- Family:
- Salicaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Chile, Argentina
- Wildlife Value:
- Birds may be attracted to the fruit of this tree.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 12 ft. 0 in. - 18 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Fine
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12-24 feet
- NC Region:
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- White
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- The fruit are small berries arranged along a stem. The color varies from pale, almost white, lavender to purple. The fruit may be a problem if it drops on the a pathway. However, it can attract birds to your garden.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Irregular
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Very slighlty fragrant, showy rich yellow flowers.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves of this plant are arranged oppositely. However, one of the leaf pair may be considerably smaller than the other. The larger leaves are simple, longer than they are wide (lanceolate) with serrate margins; the smaller, ovate. The leaves are a glossy green but sometimes turn black in harsh winter temperatures.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Light Brown
- Surface/Attachment:
- Smooth
- Bark Description:
- The bark of this small tree starts off a reddish color in the spring but eventually changes to the medium to light brown color that is typical. It can be smooth or slightly rough.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Lawn
- Naturalized Area
- Landscape Theme:
- Shade Garden
- Design Feature:
- Shade Tree
- Small Tree
- Attracts:
- Songbirds
