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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Styrax officinalis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in October. 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 and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment

A highly perfumed balsamic gum is obtained from the branches and stems[183]. It is occasionally used as a condiment[183]. This gum is almost certainly the resin described below[K].

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.
Antiseptic Expectorant

A resin obtained from the stems of the plant is antiseptic and expectorant[11, 103, 240].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Beads Resin

The fragrant resin 'storax' is obtained by wounding the stem[64, 89]. It is used medicinally, in perfumes, incense etc[11, 148]. The fruits are used as beads in rosaries etc[89, 148, 182].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a light lime-free soil in sun or semi-shade[11, 200]. If planted out when young into a planting hole that has been filled with a light lime-free soil the plants will successfully grow into the surrounding soil[11]. Prefers a warm sheltered position with protection from the morning sun[11]. Dislikes wet soils. Established plants are drought tolerant, they grow better in Britain when the summer is dry. This species is not very hardy outdoors in Britain. Dormant plants tolerate temperatures down to about -5°c[200] but the young growth is liable to be damaged by late frosts[11]. Succeeds in the milder parts of the country[1]. Plants were growing and fruiting well on a west-facing wall at Kew in 1992[K]. Plants do not flower freely unless in a warm sunny spot or on a south facing wall[182]. The flowers are very fragrant[219]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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The PFAF Bookshop

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 - requires stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[11]. Stored seed requires 3 months warm then 3 months cold stratification[113]. Germination is usually good, prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle. Overwinter in a greenhouse for the first winter and plant out in late spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[113]. Layering in autumn.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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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	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Other
Pterostyrax corymbosa	Epaulette Tree	Tree	12.0	5-9	F	LMH	SN	M	1
Styrax japonica	Japanese Storax	Tree	8.0	4-8	S	LM	SN	M	2	2
Styrax serrulatus		Tree	7.0	-		LMH	SN	M	0	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.

Styrax officinalis - L.