Euscaphis japonica
In 1985, the world renowned plantsman, JC Raulston travelled to Korea on a collecting trip sponsored by the United States National Arboretum. Among the hundreds of seeds that were collected was a seed of the Korean sweetheart tree, Euscaphis japonica.
In 1993 the Scott Arboretum received a package of plants from JC Raulston of the North Carolina State University Arboretum (today know as the JC Raulston Arboretum.) One of the small plants in that box was a seedling of Euscaphis japonica. We grew the plant in our growing area until 1998 when it reached sufficient size to be planted at the south end of Beardsley Hall.
Today, this small ornamental tree is about fifteen feet tall with an eight-foot spread. The grey colored bark has white striations which give it some winter interest. The leaves are pinnately compound which give it an interesting textural quality. But the fruits are really why you would grow this plant. In late summer the clusters of heart-shaped fruits ripen. They transform from green to pink to red. In early to mid-October they split open revealing a tiny, shiny, black seed. The seeds don’t immediately fall out but sit within the red seed cases adding to the ornamental look of the plant.
This tough tree can grow in a variety of soils, but will thrive and fruit best in full sun.
This tree is still relatively unknown in American gardens, however, there are some nurserymen who have collected seeds. Perhaps, it is just a matter of time before this becomes a popular ornamental tree.
joel adler February 17, 2010 at 7:50 am
Where is it possible to obtain one?
Andrew Bunting February 22, 2010 at 5:08 pm
I rarely see Euscaphis japonica available, but you might want to try Camellia Forest Nursery which is mail order.
Andrew Bunting, Curator
Eileen March 6, 2010 at 11:05 pm
KIRKPATRICK NURSERIES
GLEN MILLS PA has Euschapis japonica in production
Steve May 7, 2010 at 3:02 am
Hey there – I got a lot of seed from B&T World Seeds but I have to say I have no idea how to get it to germinate. I sowed them in late Feb – some in heat (20C) and some on the bench to get chilled. Nothing so far. I might unearth some to see if anything’s happening. If you have any further hints I’d be grateful. It’ is a terrrific tree, almost never seen over here in the UK.
Andrew Bunting May 7, 2010 at 9:09 am
I would suspect that to germinate Euscaphis japonica that it might need a cold period in the fall/winter. I have not grown this plant myself from seed, but I believe seed is the only viable option for propagation.
Andrew Bunting, Curator
Jim June 4, 2010 at 10:26 pm
Do you have any idea if this plant will grow in the humid coastal south? (i.e., Baton Rouge, Louisiana, zone 8b) Thanks!
Rhoda June 6, 2010 at 10:05 am
Euscaphis japonica is rated for zones 6-9. So I would definitely try this! Good luck!
Jim October 28, 2010 at 4:37 pm
A Euscaphis japonica I gave to friends here in Portland (USDA Zone 7) has been thriving on the south wall of their house for almost a decade, surviving cold down into the teens without any visible damage. The reddish-pink flower clusters are quite showy this time of year. This specimen is now about 10 feet tall and seems healthy and vigorous. I have never seen it offered by local nurseries in Oregon, so it remains hard to come by.