Sapphire-Berry
Symplocos paniculata
- Native to:
- Bangladesh, China, Hainan, India, Japan, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, Vietnam
Kristine Paulus (kpaulus) at flickr (www.flickr.com)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Symplocaceae
- Genus:
- Symplocos
- Species:
- Symplocos paniculata
- USDA Symbol:
- SYPA12
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 900 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- white
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Unicorn caterpillar moth (Schizura unicornis), Wild Cherry Sphinx (Sphinx drupiferarum)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- yellow, orange, red
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers forested or woodland areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)