Cercis chinensis
| Cercis chinensis | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 6 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 49' |
| Speed: | Slow |
| Blooms: | Late Spring |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Nitrogen Fixer Shelter | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Cercis chinensis (common name: chinese redbud)
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[1]. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours in warm water then cold stratify for 3 months[2]. Sow spring in the greenhouse[3]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Plants resent root disturbance and are best planted out in their permanent positions as soon as possible[4].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[1].
Cultivation: Succeeds in most soils and pH types, but dislikes growing in wet soils, especially when these are of clay[1]. Prefers a deep damp sandy loam and a very sunny position[4][5]. Dislikes drought[1]. Repays generous treatment[4].
Although the dormant plant is cold-hardy, the young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[K].
This species does not flower very freely in Britain. Plants do not thrive at Kew, they prefer a hotter climate[4].
The flowers are produced on the branches of the previous or earlier years, and also on the trunk of the plant[6].
Plants are susceptible to coral spot fungus, especially in areas with cooler summers where the wood is not fully ripened[4]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[1].
Resents root disturbance, plants should be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible, preferably in May, and should be kept well watered until established[4].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[1].
Range: E. Asia - China
Habitat: Woodland and clearings, 600 - 1200 metres in W. Hupeh[7].
Edibility: Although no records of edibility have been seen for the seed, on a zero moisture basis it contains 16.6% protein, 9.2% fat and 2.8% ash[8].
Medicinal: Treats bladder diseases, post-partum discharges, bleeding piles and internal parasites[9].
The wood and the bark have been used to treat abscesses, bladder ailments and head troubles[8].
Pollinators: Bees
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Also Known As: C. japonica.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Dirr, Michael and Charles Heuser. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press, 1987.
- ↑ Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray, 1992.
- ↑ Sargent, Charles. Manual of the Trees of North America. Dover, 1965.
- ↑ Wilson, Ernest and Charles Sargent. Plantae Wilsonianae.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Duke, James and Edward Ayensu. Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, 1985.
- ↑ Stuart, George. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei Southern Materials Centre.