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 evergreen shrub in the willow family (Salicaceae). This plant was discovered by Charles Darwin in 1834, and is native to Argentina and Chile. The Genus name honors the Spanish naturalist, Felix de Azara (1742-1821). The species name refers to the leaf shape.
This small tree grows 12 to 20 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide and prefers partial shade in moist well-drained amended soils. It is humidity-tolerant and should be protected from strong winds as the leaves will blacken. Propagate by layering and semi-hardwood cuttings. It blooms on previous years' growth so prune only after flowering is completed.
The shrub has striking bright golden yellow flowers in the spring with a faint vanilla scent that attract pollinators. They make a wonderful show against the glossy green leaves. They are followed by nearly white to pale mauve berries that are attractive to birds.
Use this shrub in the border, as a hedge or as a specimen. It can be used as an understory tree or shrub and works in a pollinator and bird-friendly garden.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids, scale insects, powdery mildew, and rust are possible.
- 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:
-
- 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
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Layering
- Stem Cutting
- 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:
- Medium
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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:
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12-24 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- 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 fruits are small berries arranged along a stem. The color varies from almost white to pale reddish-purple.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Corymb
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Irregular
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Rich yellow flowers in clusters have a 4-four-lobed calyx but no petals and showy extruded stamens. The clusters appear from most of the leaf axils. Blooms in April.
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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. It can be smooth or slightly rough.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- Stems are light gray and smooth
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Lawn
- Naturalized Area
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Shade Garden
- Design Feature:
- Hedge
- Small Tree
- Understory Tree
- Attracts:
- Pollinators
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Humidity
