Fruit capsules fill the tree in August

Unique Striated Bark

The late Dr. J. C. Raulston, N.C. State University horticulture professor emeritus, discovered Korean sweetheart tree (Euscaphis japonica) in 1985 on the Korean Peninsula while participating in a U.S. National Arboretum collection expedition (USDA hardiness zones 6-8). Dr. Raulston brought seeds back to the N.C. State Arboretum for assessment and evaluation. The species common name “sweetheart tree” was coined by Tennessee nurseryman Mr. Don Shadow.

Small 9-inch long terminal panicles of yellow flowers appear in late spring, most hidden within the dense foliage and go mostly unseen.  Opposite pinnately compound leaves are 6-10 inches long. The compound leaves are comprised of dark green, 2-4 inch long leaflets. The tree’s greatest asset is the showy bountiful clusters of heart-shaped fruit capsules. They gradually ripen from green to pink to finally red in late summer. In early to mid-October the fruit capsules split apart to reveal a tiny, shiny, black seed within. The grayish colored bark has white striations which provide some winter interest.

Sweetheart tree prefers a good loamy well-drained soil and planted in full sun to partial shade. Feed annually with a slow-release fertilizer such as Osmocote® or Nutricote®. Although an older established tree is highly drought tolerant, provide supplemental irrigation to a new 1-3 year old tree if summer rainfall is sparse.

No serious disease and insect problems trouble this small 2o-25 feet tall tree. In the early years corrective pruning is recommended for shaping the young tree. Availability is primarily from on-line plant nurseries.