About

A compact, spreading perennial from alpine habitats in Europe with small, broadly ovate, mid-green leaves and short racemes of small, white, four-petalled flowers in spring. A botanical curiosity in the pennycress genus for a cool, well-drained rock garden.

About the genus

Pterocarya are tall deciduous trees with large pinnate leaves and tiny flowers in pendulous catkins, followed by spikes of winged fruits

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesSpecimen planting, large borders, parkland settings.
Native toChina (Yunnan), Laos, Vietnam

Care notes

CultivationGrow in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers outdoors in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus