Pteroceltis tatarinowii (21/09/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 15m
Eventual Spread: 15m
Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Cannabaceae
Pteroceltis tatarinowii is a deciduous tree with a spreading habit. Its mid green leaves are broadly ovate with serrate margins, up to 10c long and 5cm broad. Its leaves turn yellow in autumn before they fall. Its trunk may achieve a diameter of up to 1m. Its grey/ brown bark exfoliates in patches. Its green flowers are small and insignificant. Its green fruit is round, winged and up to 25mm across.
Pteroceltis tatarinowii, commonly known as Blue Sandalwood or Tara Wing Celtis, is native to east and central China. In it native habitat it grows on limestone soils on stream sides and riverbanks. Pteroceltis tatarinowii is the only species within this genus.
The etymological root of the binomial name Pteroceltis is derived from the Greek pterugion meaning ‘winged’ and another species of tree, Celtis. Tatarinowii is named after Alexander Alexejevitch Tatarinow (1817-1886), a Russian botanist and plant collector.
Pteroceltis tatarinowii Autumn Leaf (21/09/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
The landscape architect may find Pteroceltis tatarinowii useful as an attractive specimen tree with attractive autumn color. Once established this tree is drought tolerant.
Ecologically, Pteroceltis tatarinowii fruit are eaten by some bird and mammal species.
Pteroceltis tatarinowii prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Pteroceltis tatarinowii requires little maintenance.
