Hoyt Arboretum, Portland, Oregon, USA

Common name: Wheel Tree

Family: Trochodendraceae

Distribution: Japan, South Korea & Taiwan

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

Hardiness: Zone 7a 0 to 5 F

Life form: Broadleaf evergreen tree

Usage: Ornamental flowering tree

Comments: Wheel tree, is a slow-growing, broadleaf evergreen tree or large shrub that is native to mountain forests in Japan, Taiwan and Korea. Typically grows in a large shrubby form with somewhat horizontal branching to 10-20' tall. Leathery, broad ovate to elliptic, evergreen leaves to 6" long and 2 3/4" wide with serrated margins are shiny dark green above and pale green beneath. Leaves grow mostly in clusters near the branch tips. Apetalous, apple green to yellow green flowers to 3/4" diameter bloom in erect racemes to 5" long in mid to late spring. Flowers are followed by pale green seed capsules.
Best grown in moist, fertile, well-drained loams in part shade.