Flueggea suffruticosa aka Securinega suffruticosa

Flueggea suffruiticosa is a rare shrub in gardens that is interesting, but not spectacular, until fall when it turns a beautiful golden color. It is quite architectural, presenting a weeping habit.

Flueggea suffruticosa aka Securinega suffruticosa, by Robert Pavlis

Flueggea suffruiticosa is a rare shrub in gardens that is interesting, but not spectacular, until fall when it turns a beautiful golden color. It is quite architectural, presenting a weeping habit. This shrub is grown for its leaves, small size and overall shape. The flowers are insignificant, but the fruit capsules are interesting as they dangle from the branches. It is dioecious, producing both male and female plants. Female flowers are single and male flowers are in clusters. Buying a male plant would ensure no self-seeding, but I am not sure named male cultivars are available. Mine was grown from seed and is female. Self-seeding has not been a problem.

Flueggea suffruticosa aka Securinega suffruticosa, by Robert Pavlis

It is one of the 50 fundamental herbs in Chinese herbalism, and is reported to cure a number of ailments including contusions, paralysis and neurasthemia. The plant does contain securinine, a central nervous system stimulant.

 

 

Flueggea suffruticosa aka Securinega suffruticosa, by Robert Pavlis

Video showing how to make root cuttings

(FLOO-gee-a  suf-roo-tee-KO-sa)

Life Cycle: shrub

Height: 2 m (6 ft)

Bloom Time: summer

Natural Range: China, Russia, Japan, Korea and Mongolia

Habitat: forest margins and slopes

Synonyms:  Securinega suffruticosa, Securinega ramiflora, Securinega fluggeoides, Pharnaceum suffruitcosa, Xylophylla ramiflora

Cultivation of Flueggea suffruiticosa:

Light: full sun

Soil: variable

Water: drought tolerant

USDA Hardiness Zone: 3- 8

Propagation: seed, softwood cuttings