Pterostyrax hispida - Epaulette Tree

Pterostyrax hispida, known as the Shrub with Shoulder Pads and fragrant epaulette tree, is a splendid small flowering tree, vigorous, and extremely rare, except among collectors. However, this magnificent bush, one of the easiest to grow, truly deserves its place in all gardens. Of excellent hardiness, it grows in any moist and well-drained, neutral to acidic soil, in sunny or semi-shaded situations. This large shrub, with its numerous ornamental qualities, has beautiful light green deciduous foliage, taking on pretty green-chartreuse autumn hues, graceful fragrant white summer flowering, and unique fruiting that persists throughout winter. In short, one of the most beautiful flowering trees, an absolute must-see!

Pterostyrax hispida is a vigorous species, native to wooded slopes in China and Japan, and belongs to the Styracaceae family. It forms a large shrub or small tree with aromatic grey-brown bark, slightly channelled, exfoliating to reveal orange and beige streaks. Its silhouette has a rounded spreading crown, very branched, and is open and airy. With moderate growth, it reaches 5 m to 7 m (16.4 ft to 23 ft) in height with a spread of 3.5 m (11.5 ft). Its deciduous foliage consists of ovate and pointed leaves, 10 cm to 20 cm (3.9 in to 7.9 in) long. The leaves are very bright light-green, with a slightly hairy grey-green underside, especially on the veins. It takes on beautiful yellow-green autumn hues, contrasting nicely with its coloured bark. Its fragrant, white, bell-shaped flowers, 0.5 cm to 1 cm (0.2 in to 0.4 in) in diameter, have 5 lobes divided almost to the base and numerous long stamens. They bloom in June-July, in pendulous panicles, 10 cm to 20 cm (3.9 in to 7.9 in) long, followed, in early autumn, by spindle-shaped ribbed fruits, covered with brown-yellow bristles, and persistent throughout winter on the bare wood. The flowering is truly spectacular only in subjects that have been established for a few years.

This small tree is commonly called Shrub with Shoulder Pads or fragrant epaulette tree, due to the similarity between the shape of its flowers and the shoulder pads adorning certain uniforms.

Pterostyrax hispida, introduced to the United Kingdom in 1875, was awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

This small tree is easy to grow, quite accommodating regarding soil type, and content with a sunny or partially shaded exposure. It will stand out in the garden with its beautiful summer flowering. Particularly ornamental, it suits all gardens, small or large, in isolated situations, and provides welcome shade. Plant near a terrace or patio to fully enjoy its beautiful fragrant flowering, or include it in a group of trees and shrubs. It can be planted alongside summer-flowering trees or shrubs, such as Buddleias, Hibiscus, Hydrangeas, Cornus, or even an Anemone tree. Place at the back of a border with numerous summer-blooming perennials at its base. The flowers of Peach-leaved bellflowers, Foxgloves, Gauras, Masterworts, as well as Hostas and Hellebores, will make perfect companions for its elegant flowering.

The decorative fruits produced by this Pterostyrax hispida can be used for creating dried bouquets.