Trochodendron aralioides

Wheeltree is an extraordinary evergreen piece from the East (Japan, Korea, Taiwan). Its uniqueness is emphasized by the fact that it is the one and only species of its genus. Moreover, it is a very old species, imprint of its leaf was found in a 49 million years old fossil found in Washington state, USA.

It is special for its spirally arranged, finely serrated leaves. They are broadly elliptic to ovate, up to 12 cm long, salmon pink as they emerge, changing through coppery to dark green in summer. In autumn they turn dark red with some bronze shades until spring when they revert to green. They are partly glossy. Older plants are decorated with panicles of tiny bright green flowers in early summer.

It grows very slowly, sometimes its growth is almost difficult to notice after one season but when you look at the plant after a few years you can see the increased size and density. Its natural shape is broadly columnar to somewhat rounded, forming a large shrub or a small tree after many years. It likes slightly acidic soil with plenty of humus. The soil should be moist but never too wet. Sunny location will enhance symmetry in its shape, while in shaded areas it will look leggy. Pruning is not recommended. Experienced hardiness to -27°C (USDA zone 5b) without any injury.

Last update 16-06-2009, 22-02-2017