Cliftonia monophylla

The Buckwheat Tree is a perennial, flowering, evergreen shrub in leaf all year and producing fragrant flowers briefly in the Spring. It is native to the Southeastern United States and often found in the damp, sandy, peat soils of swamps and bays that are free from mud, lime, sulphur and salt. At maturity, the plant typically reaches a height of 18 feet (although some specimens grow to 45 feet) with a crooked, multi-stemmed form. This plant colonizes and can often form thickets if not trimmed. The plant is noted for its attractive, dark, shiny, thick leaves and white to pinkish, fragrant flower clusters.

The Buckwheat Tree does best in full sun to partial shade in moist to wet, well drained, sandy soil. The soil should be acidic and can be amended with additional leafmould. The Buckwheat Tree is not particularly cold hardy, but can be grown where frosts are light and short. It may require protection when temperatures dip.

The Buckwheat Tree can be hard to find in commercial nurseries; however, 'Chipola Pink', a cultivar with pink flowers is sometimes available.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pest problems. The plant does not tolerate competition from other trees or shrubs.