Growing A Satin Leaf Tree: How To Care For Chrysophyllum Oliviforme
With a tongue-twister of a botanical name like “Chrysophyllum oliviforme,” you can appreciate the urge to confer common names, and this tree has a few. The most common is satin leaf tree, after its truly gorgeous foliage. These native Florida trees deserve another look for those who live in the warmest zones. For more information on the Chrysophyllum oliviforme, read on.
Chrysolphyllum Oliviforme
In many ways, the satin leaf is the perfect tree. With a mature height of 45 feet (14 m.), it is small enough for small gardens but doesn’t have that miniature look. It is large enough to serve in bigger landscapes and as a street tree, as well.
The evergreen leaves are the satin tree’s prime feature, a full 4 inches (10 cm.) long and two colors. They are a silky-smooth bottle green on top and a glowing silvery copper color beneath. It is absolutely stunning in a breeze.
Other Features of the Satin Leaf Tree
Although satin leaf trees are known for the beauty of their foliage, that is not their only ornamental feature. The trunks of these slender trees are covered with thin, mahogany bark that grows in scales.
Don’t forget the satin leaf tree fruit. The tiny, bell-shaped flowers bloom on the tree all year long in its ideal growing zones, USDA plant hardiness zones 10b through 11. Each pollinated flower develops into sweet purple or black satin leaf tree fruit.
Growing the Satin Leaf Tree
The first requirement for growing the satin leaf tree is living in a very warm-winter climate. After that, the tree needs full sun or at least partial sun. It is less fussy about soil, and tolerates anything from clay to sand, alkaline to acidic, well-draining to occasionally wet. However, it will be happiest in fertile, well-draining soil.
The satin leaf tree has a high drought tolerance, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect it. Water it every week or so for best results. Don’t worry about the roots; they will not create problems with foundations or sewers.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
In addition, the satin leaf tree is resistant to pests and diseases. It is, all in all, an outstanding tree. It should be planted more frequently.
Teo Spengler has been gardening for 30 years. She is a docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Her passion is trees, 250 of which she has planted on her land in France.
-
7 Wild Greens For Fresh Foraged Salads – A Delicious Supplement To Your Kitchen Garden
Far from being surplus, foraged greens can be a delectable addition to your garden growing adventures. Here are some key wild greens worthy of a nutritional feast
By Amy Grant
-
Best States For Gardening – These Places Are The Top Spots For Gardeners
Looking for a change? These parts of the country are the best places to live for gardeners, according to the data.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Best Trees For Carbon Sequestration And Climate Change
Let’s keep planting trees. They are our best bet for capturing carbon and may help with our global warming issues.
By Teo Spengler
-
7 Invasive Trees You Should Never Plant In Your Yard Or Garden
What are some invasive trees you should never plant in your yard? Click here to find out.
By Teo Spengler
-
How Close Can You Plant A Tree To A Stump?
Looking to plant new trees near old stumps or where stumps have been removed? Click here to learn how.
By Teo Spengler
-
Messiest Trees That Drop Debris Everywhere
Want to know which trees will create the biggest messes in your home landscape? Click here to find out.
By Amy Grant
-
How To Get Rid Of Tree Sprouts In The Yard From Nearby Trees
Learn the simple way to keep pesky tree seedlings in your lawn from becoming saplings.
By Teo Spengler
-
7 Common Tree Care Mistakes That Kill Trees
Are you accidentally killing your tree? It's easier than you think, if you're committing one of these common mistakes. Click here for more.
By Teo Spengler
-
How To Tell How Old A Tree Is
Ever wondered how to calculate the age of a tree? Click here to learn all about it.
By Teo Spengler
-
When To Remove Tree Stakes From Saplings
A newly planted tree may grow strong when it’s staked, but don’t forget to remove the stakes when it’s stable.
By Teo Spengler