Common Sweetleaf
Symplocos tinctoria
- Native to:
- United States, Virgin Islands
Source: Wikimedia; Credit: François André Michaux (book author), Augustus Lucas Hillhouse (translator), H.J.Redouté (illustrator), Gabriel (engraver)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Symplocaceae
- Genus:
- Symplocos
- Species:
- Symplocos tinctoria
- USDA Symbol:
- SYTI
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, white
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Promethea silkmoth (Callosamia promethea), King's hairstreak (Satyrium kingi)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies, small mammals
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- yellow
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:
- native to southeastern US woodlands
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.