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Sycopsis sinensis

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
sy-KOP-sis sih-NEN-sis
Description

Chinese Fighazel is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree in the witch hazel family.  It was introduced by Ernest Wilson in 1901. 

It grows 10 to 12 feet tall and wide and has dark, glossy green leaves. It will take on a low canopy, and is suitable as an understory planting.  In late winter to early spring clusters of creamy white flowers appear.  The flower clusters are less than 1" long.  The cluster will contain six to ten stamens with reddish-brown bracts that enclose the inflorescence.  It's anthers are yellow with a tinge of orange.  

It grows in moist well-drained soils in sun to partial shade. Use as an ornamental tree, for screening, in mass plantings, or as an informal hedge. In colder climates, a thick layer of mulch will add a layer of protection.

This low maintenance plant can be pruned to keep its form.  Pruning should be accomplished after flowering to avoid the removal of its current season's flowers  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Typically insect and diseases free. 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#small tree#heat tolerant#shrub#semi-evergreen#broadleaf evergreen#winter interest#urban conditions tolerant#winter garden#drought intolerant#shrub borders#broadleaf#long lived
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#small tree#heat tolerant#shrub#semi-evergreen#broadleaf evergreen#winter interest#urban conditions tolerant#winter garden#drought intolerant#shrub borders#broadleaf#long lived
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Sycopsis
    Species:
    sinensis
    Family:
    Hamamelidaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    China and Taiwan
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Buffer
    Colorful
    Screening
    Dimensions:
    Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Conical
    Oval
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    The fruit is an egg-shaped capsule.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spike
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Winter
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Tufted, petal-less, small yellowish flowers with long red anthers bloom in late winter to early spring.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leathery
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Lustrous, dark green leaves, 2-4" long. Base cuneate or obtuse, margin entire or distally serrate, apex acuminate. The underside is a lighter green.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Dark Gray
    Surface/Attachment:
    Smooth
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    Young branches with scales, older dark brown and smooth. It grows as a multi-stemmed plant.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Patio
    Small Space
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Barrier
    Border
    Hedge
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Small Tree
    Understory Tree
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Heat
    Urban Conditions