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Osmanthus americana - (L.)A.Gray.

Common Name
Family Oleaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Rich woods, swamps and bluffs[43].
Range Eastern N. America - Florida to Louisiana, north to Virginia.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Osmanthus americana


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Osmanthus americana
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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of cone
Osmanthus americana is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft 3in). It is in leaf all year. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit[2, 177]. This needs further verification[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.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Wood

Wood - heavy, very hard, strong, durable, difficult to work[46, 61].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy outdoors in Britain, though judging by its native range it is likely to be succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a good loamy soil[1], but succeeds in most soils in sun or part shade[11, 184]. Plants are very tolerant of being transplanted, moving well even when quite large[182]. The flowers are deliciously scented[182]. If plants are clipped after flowering they will flower more freely each year[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Fahrenheit:

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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,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a coldframe[200]. Stored seed probably germinates best if it is given 3 months warm then 3 months cold stratification before sowing[113]. The seed usually takes 6 - 18 months to germinate, it should be pricked out into individual pots when it is large enough to handle. Grow the plants on for their first winter in the greenhouse and plant them out in early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood taken at the end of July, in a frame with bottom heat[11]. Cuttings of almost ripe wood, 7 - 12cm with a heel, September/October in a cold frame. A good percentage. Plant out in the spring 18 months later[78]. Layering in spring[200] or autumn[78]. Partially sever the layer leads in the following late summer and plant out in the autumn. High percentage[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

Coming Soon

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 it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Osmanthus decorus Shrub3.0 6-9  LMHSNDM003
Osmanthus delavayi Shrub3.5 6-9 SLMHSNDM003
Osmanthus fragransFragrant OliveShrub6.0 8-11  LMHSNM222
Osmanthus heterophyllusHolly Olive, Holly osmanthus, Chinese Holly, Holly Tea Olive, False HollyShrub4.0 6-9 SLMHSNM003
Osmanthus x burkwoodii Shrub3.0 5-9 SLMHSNM003

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.

 

Expert comment

Author

(L.)A.Gray.

Botanical References

43

Links / References

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