PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal salt spray and wet soil conditions
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist; tolerates occasional flooding, avoid prolonged drought stress
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; adapts to temperate coastal climates, withstands mild summer heat
Characteristics
- Leaf: Simple oval to obovate leaves with serrated margins; dark green above, paler beneath, turning yellow in fall
- Flower: Monoecious; pendulous yellow-brown male catkins and small upright reddish-green female catkins maturing into woody cones
- Stem: Slender gray-brown bark; young stems have soft reddish pubescence
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain consistently moist soil; water deeply during extended dry spells
Fertilization
Light slow-release feed once in early spring. Use balanced, low-nitrogen feed to support healthy growth without excessive foliage production
Eggshell powder top-dressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface and gently work into the top layer to add calcium without altering soil pHPruning
- Remove dead or damaged branches in late winter before new growth emerges
- Thin crowded stems to improve airflow and maintain a balanced, open shape
- Prune lightly in early spring to control size and encourage more abundant flowering
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Soil stabilization in wet coastal areas; ornamental autumn flowering plant for pollinator support
