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Chinese rubber tree Eucommia ulmoides

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
yoo-KOM-ee-uh ul-moy-dees
Description

The hardy rubber tree is a deciduous tree in the Eucommiaceae family and is the only living species in the genus. It is native to China and is considered threatened in the wild but is widely cultivated due to its use in Chinese herbal medicine.

This tree grows slowly to 40-60 feet tall and 30-50 feet wide with a dense round crown at maturity but more pyramidal shaped when young. It can be grown in a variety of well-drained moist soils in full sun and is drought-tolerant once established.

The tree is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female trees that produce inconspicuous flowers. Female trees produce winged samara from summer to fall.

It is best used as a shade tree for streets and parks because of its attractive shiny leaves and resistance to insect and disease problems. It will also do well as a shade tree for your yard.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#shade tree#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#slow growing#low maintenance#glossy leaves#large spaces#attractive leaves#parks#compaction tolerant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#shade tree#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#slow growing#low maintenance#glossy leaves#large spaces#attractive leaves#parks#compaction tolerant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Eucommia
    Species:
    ulmoides
    Family:
    Eucommiaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    The bark is used in herbal medicine
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Central & S. China
    Dimensions:
    Height: 40 ft. 0 in. - 60 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 25 ft. 0 in. - 50 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
  • Fruit:
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Samara
    Fruit Length:
    1-3 inches
    Fruit Description:
    Flattened winged seeds about 1” to 11/2” long.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Description:
    Separate male and female trees. Flowers are small, greenish-brown and inconspicuous.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Oblong
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Green glossy leaves are elliptic, ovate, to oblong-ovate, 3-8 inches long and 2-4 inches wide. The tip is acuminate and the margins are serrate. Mature leaves have a wrinkled appearance. When torn it exudes a rubbery latex.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Light Brown
    Light Gray
    Surface/Attachment:
    Furrowed
    Ridges
    Bark Description:
    Ridged or furrowed, grey/brown bark provides interest.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Brown stems with no terminal bud.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Recreational Play Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Design Feature:
    Shade Tree
    Specimen
    Street Tree
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought