Stewartia rostrata

The beaked Stewartia is a deciduous, ornamental, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree. The crown is pyramidal and evolves into an oval shape. The plant may reach a height of 13 to 33 feet tall and 8 to 13 feet wide. White Camellia-like blooms appear from May to July, and the red woody beaked capsule fruits appear in September. The bark has furrows and ridges, and unlike the Chinese Stewartia, it does not peel. The plant is a member of the Theaceae family and is related to the Camellia. This low-maintenance plant is grown for its ornamental value.

The beaked Stewartia is native to South Central and Southeastern China. It may be found in forests and along streams. 

The genus's name, Stewartia, is in honor of John Stuart who was a 16th-century Scottish botanist. The spelling was the result of a transcription error. During the 19th-century, the name Stuartia was used; however, the original spelling is now accepted. The species name, rostrata, is Latin and means "beaked curved, or hooked." This refers to the appearance of the fruit.

Plant this tree in fertile, well-drained, acidic, moist soil in partial sun to filtered shade. It does not tolerate drought and needs protection from winds. It can be a bit fussy and is difficult to transplant. They prefer the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone of 6a to 7 b, The plant may be propagated by seeds, softwood cuttings, or semi-hardwood cuttings.

The bark is grayish-brown, and the twigs are reddish-brown. The leaves are dark green during the spring and summer and transition to red in the fall. Blooms appear as white solitary flowers that sometimes have a pink flush and golden stamens in the center. The beaked capsule has five segments with four seeds per segment.

This flowering shrub or small tree may be considered for use in shady cottage gardens, informal gardens, courtyards, or woodland settings

Seasons of Interest:

Foliage: Fall            Bloom: Late Spring to Early Summer      Fruit:  Fall

Quick ID Hints:

• bark light gray to dark grayish-brown with furrows and ridges
• dark green ovate leaves
• fall foliage red to scarlet
• white flowers sometimes flushed with pink, Camellia-like with golden stamens in the center
• fruit is a red to brownish capsule with a long beak

Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems:  The plant has no serious disease or pest problems. The beaked Stewartia does not like to be transplanted or disturbed.