PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates cold winds and mild urban pollution
Watering
Water deeply for young saplings; established trees are drought-tolerant, avoid waterlogged soil
Temperature
Hardy to -20°C; withstands harsh winters and moderate summer heat without damage
Characteristics
- Leaf: Ovate to triangular leaves with serrated margins, bright green foliage turning golden yellow in autumn
- Bark: Peeling copper-brown to papery orange bark, smooth underlayers
- Catkins: Male catkins are long, pendulous, and yellow-brown; female catkins are small, upright green clusters
Care Guide
Watering
Water young trees weekly during extended dry spells; established trees need only occasional deep watering
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once in early spring. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of bark development
Eggshell powder top dressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder, sprinkle 1 tbsp around the tree base; avoid direct contact with trunk to prevent rotPruning
- Prune in late winter to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches
- Thin crowded inner branches to improve air circulation and light penetration
- Avoid heavy pruning; maintain the tree's natural upright canopy shape
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic to cats; no adverse effects from ingestion or contact
Humans: No known toxicity to humans; safe for handling and contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes resilience in cold climates; prized for winter ornamental bark display
Usage: Ornamental garden tree, urban landscaping for pollution tolerance
