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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Ehretia acuminata is a deciduous Tree growing to 9 m (29ft 6in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

E. serrata. Roxb.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw[105, 144, 146, 158, 177]. About the size of a pea, it is insipidly sweet when fully ripe[2, 183]. The fruit is about 4mm in diameter[200]. The unripe fruit is sometimes used as a pickle[2, 183].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Febrifuge

The juice of the bark is used in the treatment of fevers[272].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Wood

Wood - light, tough, soft and easily worked. Used for carrying poles[46, 61, 158].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained sandy loam in a sunny position[200]. Tolerates calcareous soils[200]. Requires a sheltered position[200]. Plants are shade tolerant in continental climates but they require more sun in maritime areas in order to ripen the wood[200]. Rich fertile soils encourage soft sappy growth which is then more susceptible to winter damage[200]. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[K]. A tree at Kew was 6 metres tall in 1989[K]. This species is much confused with E. ovalifolia[1].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing it as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Sow stored seed in late winter or early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Other
Ehretia anacua	Anaqua, Knockaway	Tree	5.0	7-10	LMH	N	DM	2	2
Ehretia dicksonii		Tree	10.0	6-9	LM	SN	M	2	2
Ehretia ovalifolia		Tree	12.0	6-9	LM	N	M	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Ehretia acuminata - R.Br.