Tetracentron sinense

The Tetracentron sinense is a tree of Chinese origin, rare in cultivation, which deserves to be better known and planted more in our gardens for its ornamental qualities. Of medium stature, and graceful, it adorns itself with young red heart-shaped foliage, becoming tender green, which will again take on beautiful tones in autumn before falling. Its spring and summer flowering in long pendulous aments reminiscent of hazelnuts. Its decorative fruiting is arranged in thin garlands along the branches. Although hardy, but fearing late frosts that can compromise its flowering, it is grown in bright or semi-shaded exposure, together with other plants that, like it, appreciate cool atmospheres and neutral to acidic soils, poor in limestone.

The Tetracentron sinense is the only representative of the genus Tetracentron, belonging to the family Tetracentraceae. Introduced to Europe in 1901 by E.Wilson, it is native to central and southwest China, northern Vietnam, northern Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, and regions in northeast India. It is found on the banks of watercourses, on the edge of forests, on damp slopes, and in steep valleys. Its species name, Tetracentron, comes from the Greek tetra meaning four and kentron meaning prickle, alluding to the 4 dart-shaped appendages that adorn the fruit. In its native lands, where it is on the brink of disappearing, this tree will reach a height of 30 m (98ft).

The habit of Tetracentron sinensis is generally upright and rounded. Its growth is moderately fast, reaching maturity at about 12 m (39ft) in height and 6 m (20ft) in width in our climates. The trunk and old branches are covered with a gray-brown bark that flakes off in large patches. The branches are dark brown, smooth, marked with numerous lighter lenticels. The branches consist of two types of stems: the first are long, terminal, and bear leaves arranged alternately. On these, thin and short lateral stems, which grow very slowly, will each bear a leaf and an inflorescence. The deciduous foliage consists of ovate to cordate leaves, measuring 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) long and 7 to 9 cm wide, with toothed edges, palmate veins, somewhat resembling those of the Judas tree. They are tender green on top, paler underneath, measuring 7 to 12 cm (3 to 5in) long and 5 cm (2in) wide. In autumn, they turn yellow, orange, or red. The flowering appears in spring but only opens in August. It takes the form of long pendulous aments measuring 9 to 15 cm (4 to 6in), composed of numerous tiny flowers initially green, then yellowish when they open. After pollination by insects, the flowers give way to small fruits that are capsules divided into 4 chambers with prickle-like extensions.

A rare species of damp soils and rather humid climates, Tetracentron sinensis generally tolerates any ordinary soil that remains moist and without excessive limestone. Well adapted to our temperate climates, its hardiness allows it to be adopted in many regions. This charming and elegant small tree can be planted alone or with other acid-loving shrubs (Stewartia, Rhododendron, azaleas, Hydrangea, Hamamelis) or even in more ordinary soil with Hydrangea, Parrotia, and deciduous euonymus to animate the garden in autumn. You can also plant autumn bulbs, such as colchicums or cyclamen, around its base.