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Eucommia ulmoides

gutta-percha tree

A vigorous, deciduous tree to 15m or more tall forming a broad, rounded crown. Leathery, glossy leaves up to 15cm long are oval to elliptic with serrated margins and exude rubber if gently torn in half. Inconspicuous greenish-brown flowers in spring my be followed on female plants by flattened, elliptic, winged fruits to 3.5cm long

Other common names
hardy rubber tree

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Sand
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Brown Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Eucommiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus

A genus of one species of small, deciduous tree native to China with green foliage containing latex, small inconspicuous green flowers and winged fruit. It is widely cultivated in China for the medicinal properties of its bark

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any fertile, well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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