Epaulette tree Pterostyrax hispidus

The Epaulette tree is a flowering, fragrant, tree in the storax family, a small family of flowering plants containing 12 genera and about 160 species of trees and shrubs. It is native to Japan and, at maturity (20 to 50 years), can reach 50 feet in height and 40 feet in width. Alternatively, it can be trained (pruned) as a large, 15 to 20 foot shrub. It flowers early in its life cycle with hanging, white blossoms that appear in spring and give off a lemony citrus fragrance. The genus name comes from the Greek words pteron meaning a wing plus Styrax for the winged seeds of one species (P. corymbesus). The species name means bristly, in reference to the fruit.

The Epaulette tree prefers a hot sunny location with deep, fertile, acidic, well-drained, moist soil. It will tolerate clay or sandy soil as well as wind, drought, light shade, and some air pollution. Light afternoon shade in hot summer climates is beneficial, but flowering tends to diminish as the amount of shade increases. Site in a location sheltered from cold, winter winds.

The Epaulette has a rounded form that opens up as the tree matures. It will cast a dense shade and can also act as an attractive barrier or shade tree. Propagate by seed or cuttings and, if needed, prune in winter.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: 

No known diseases or insect pests.