November 2004
Korean Evodia or Evodia daniellii

This unique small to medium size tree should be considered in gardens that need a mid to late summer flowering tree along with attractive fruit in the fall. The tree develops a smooth gray bark that resembles that of a beech tree and grows to a height of 30 plus feet with an equal spread. The leaves resemble the foliage of an ash tree and are a glossy dark green in summer. In fall there is little color change and leaves tend to drop green to yellow-green. The tree is covered in late July and August with masses of large flat white to gray cluster of small white flowers, similar to Viburnum lentago attracting large numbers of bees and is sought after by beekeepers as a source of late summer honey. The flowers produce clusters of seed that is present from late August through November. The seeds start as bright red capsules that when fully ripe open to expose shiny black buckshot seed as Autumn progresses.

The tree grows best in a well-drained moist, fertile soil and full sun. What I find most interesting about this tree is that it provides shade, flowers and attractive fruit in a period when few other woody plants are flowering. The plant fits well in smaller gardens and closed areas. The plant has few pests or diseases. In some areas that have large open growing areas it may be considered as a street tree. If sighted right it is one of my favorite small to medium size trees.

Randy Zondag, OSU Extension Horticulture Agent, Lake County
Photos Courtesy Bill Hendricks, Klyn Nurseries, Inc., Perry OH