From New Zealand. Unable to identify this tree. Grows on shady side of house, is somewhat spindly in growth and about 10-15 feet high. Lovely greenish flowers before leaves. Leaves do look a little like an elm leaf. Have trolled through a 700 page tree and garden encyclopaedia and was unable to come up with anything. Has anyone ever seen a tree like this.
We grow Stachurus Praecox,and wish it were better known. The flowering spikes are forming now, and remain dormant for 6 months before opening in the early spring. I. Taken 20th September. 2. Taken 27th March.
Thank you both very much for your replies. Most appreciated, and has now solved the mystery of this beautiful tree in my sister-in-laws garden.
Stachurus Praecox: WOW! wouldn't have enough room in my yard for it anyway, but just curious as to what zone it is hardy to?
According to Michael Dirr, "Manual of Woody Landscape plants", It is hardy in zone 6-7 (8). He says in Morton arboretumthe plant dies to the ground, but regenerates each year. We are zone 9, our biggest shrub is very protected in amongst trees. Another, (new to us ) Stachyurus salicifolia, an evergreen one, gave us a fright, when a slight frost, instantly turned the leaves black. Thankfully it survived, and had a new flush of leaves. Hope this helps. P.S I would describe the flowers as a delicate yellow rather than green.
