Woody > Eucommia > Eucommia ulmoides > Eucommia ulmoides
Eucommia ulmoides
Hardy Rubber Tree, Gutta-Percha, Dùzhòng (Chinese)
Origin: From central China in the provinces of Anhui, Gansu, Guizhou, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Shanxi, Sichuan and Zhejiang. Fossil records have been found of the genus in central Europe that date to 10-35 million years old. Additionally fossil records have been found in North America and multiple sites in Asia indicating a once, much wider ranging distribution of the plant.
Mike's
Opinion
"
It is an ideal specimen tree since it tough and tolerant of most site conditions and is disease and pest free. Notable ornamental characteristics included the attractive dark green glossy leaves,
Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)
"
| Family |
| Eucommiaceae |
| Genus |
| Eucommia |
| Species |
| ulmoides |
| Category |
| Woody |
| Type |
| Tree (deciduous) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 4b-7 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| 4 |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H7 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| -30 |
| Height |
| 12 m |
| Spread |
| 8 m |
Photographs
Cultivars
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Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| It is the only member in its family and the only hardy deciduous tree that produces rubber that can be grown in North America. It has been used for medicinal purposes in China for over 2,000 years, but has little commercial value. |
| Landscape |
| Good for use as shade or street tree as it is tolerant on a wide variety of soil and site conditions. |
| Cultivation |
| It does well in full sun and moist soil but can thrive in almost any environment. Fairly drought tolerant and prefers well drained soil. It is intolerant of shade. |
| Shape |
| It has a dense rounded crown. |
| Growth |
| Medium |
| ID Characteristic |
| The most notable characteristics are the attractive dark green glossy leaves which reveal thick white latex filled veins when pulled apart. |
| Pests |
| Pest and disease free. |
| Habitat |
| Found in mountainous to lower mountains regions, valleys or sparse forests at elevations of 300 - 500 m. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| Bark is grey-brown in colour and becomes ridged and furrowed with age. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
| Buds are chestnut brown, sessile and ovoid. |
| Leaf Description |
| Leaves are glossy, dark green and prominently veined. Simple, serrate, alternate and elliptical to oblong. They are 5-7.5 cm long and composed of 3% latex. |
| Flower Description |
| Dioecious, flowers bloom before leaf emergence, lack petals or sepals and are brown inconspicuous clusters. |
| Fruit Description |
| Fruit is waxy-fleshy oval to oblong, 3-4 cm winged nutlet. |
| Colour Description |
| Dark green glossy leaves with thick white veins. Leaves lighten slightly before leaf drop but have no autumn colour. Bark is grey-brown in colour and flowers are inconspicuous brown clusters. |
| Texture Description |
| Texture is medium and remains that way throughout the season. |
| Notable Specimens |
| The Gardens of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario, Canada. The Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario, Canada. |
| Propagation |
| Fresh seed should be sown immediately in a cold frame and should germinate the following spring. Stored seed should be stratified for 3 months 2°C. Seedlings should be grown on for a season before planting out. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer) |
| It has been used for medicinal purposes in China for over 2,000 years, but has little commercial value. The bark is stripped, the latex is then removed and used to treat various ailments and pains and as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It is considered on of the 50 main herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. The wood is used in pattens, a traditional Chinese shoe. |
References
A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants Canadian Edition by Christopher Brickell and Trevor Cole. DK Publishing, Inc. 10/28/2004
Manual of Woody Landscape Plants 6th Edition by Michael A. Dirr. Stipes Publishing LLC 7/28/2009
Dirr’s Hardy Trees and Shrubs by Michael A. Dirr. Timber Press, Inc. 10/1/1997
Taylor’s Guide to Trees by Gordon P. DeWolf, Jr. A Chanticleer Press Edition. Based on Taylor’s Encyclopedia of Gardening 4th Edition by Norman Taylor 1961.
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