PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open riparian sunlight, tolerates dappled shade in forest understories
Watering
Water deeply during extended dry periods; tolerates periodic flooding and moist soil conditions
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; performs best in cool to temperate climates with mild summers
Characteristics
- Leaf: Ovate to elliptical, serrated margins, dull green upper surface, paler, fuzzy underside
- Flower: Male catkins pendulous, yellow-brown; female catkins small, erect, green turning woody post-pollination
- Stem/Bark: Smooth gray-brown bark when young, developing shallow fissures with maturity
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain consistent soil moisture; avoid prolonged drought stress
Fertilization
Diluted balanced feed once monthly. Minimal fertilization needed due to nitrogen-fixing root nodules
Eggshell powder top dressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the tree base; water lightly to work into topsoilPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter before new growth emerges
- Thin crowded inner branches to improve airflow and light penetration
- Avoid heavy pruning; maintain the tree's natural rounded canopy shape
- Trim suckers at the base to prevent overcrowding
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats
Humans: No documented toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Riparian erosion control, nitrogen fixation for soil improvement, ornamental shade tree, firewood source
