Gutta-percha Tree Eucommia ulmoides
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- yoo-KOM-ee-uh ul-moy-dees
- Description
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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:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Rounded
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Low
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Light Brown
- Light Gray
- Surface/Attachment:
- Furrowed
- Ridges
- Bark Description:
- Ridged or furrowed, grey/brown bark provides interest.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Brown stems with no terminal bud.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Lawn
- Recreational Play Area
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Design Feature:
- Shade Tree
- Specimen
- Street Tree
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
