06/12/2026
Happy Thursday! This week’s tree of the week is the Japanese Stewartia also known as Stewartia Pseudocamellia. The meaning behind its scientific name comes from the flowers resemblance to camellia flowers. Because they bloom in summer, in Japan this tree’s native name is Natsu Tsubaki, which translates to summer bloom. Not only is this tree native to Japan, but it’s also native to Korea and typically matures in urban landscapes due to its slower establishment period and how sensitive it is to sunlight. Intense sunlight will end up scorching and burning the delicate leaves. In early summer the tree starts to bloom with white flowers that feature yellow-orange stamen. In mid-autumn the dark green foliage turns into a beautiful crimson.This tree only becomes more beautiful with each passing season, especially during the winter due to its peeling bark. The outer bark peels away at random and reveals a vibrant underlayer of gray, orange, and reddish-brown bark.
Fun fact: this tree is located at the Central Falls diversity garden!! 🌼
