Lithocarpus edulis (08/02/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to dappled shade
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 15m
Eventual Spread: 15m
Hardiness: 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a
Family: Fagaceae
Lithocarpus edulis is an evergreen large shrub or small tree with a rounded habit. Its leathery mid green leaves are ovate with entire margins, up to 15cm long and 7cm broad. Its white hermaphrodite flowers are small, the male appearing as spikes the female in small clusters. Its fruit are similar to acorns, up to 25mm long and 8mm across.
Lithocarpus edulis, commonly known as Japanese Stone Oak or Tanbark Oak, is native to Japan.
The etymological root of the binomial name Lithocarpus is derived from the Greek lithos meaning stone and carpos meaning ‘seed’. Edulis is from the Latin meaning ‘edible’.
Lithocarpus edulis Leaf (08/02/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
The landscape architect may find Lithocarpus edulis useful as a small evergreen tree which produces edible nuts.
Ecologically, Lithocarpus edulis acorns are attractive to some mammals.
Lithocarpus edulis prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Lithocarpus edulis requires little maintenance.
