- Botanical name: Pseudopanax crassifolius
- Common name: Toothed lancewood
- Family: Araliaceae
- Plant Type: Tree, Evergreen
Green
Black
- Key features:
- Dramatic foliage
- Prefers rich soil
Pseudopanax crassifolius is an unusual evergreen tree that hails from New Zealand. It eventually forms a rounded shape but is grown for its striking juvenile appearance, which can last for many years.
The long, dark leaves have a jagged edge (evolved to protect the plant from grazing animals) and point downwards, radiating from a thin trunk. The dark purple leaves look almost black, and have a red midrib. Umbels of green-white, star-shaped flowers may appear in summer, followed by black berries on female plants. Pseudopanax crassifolius has a distinctive architectural appearance that looks good in contemporary gardens. It can be grown in a pot.
Grow Pseudopanax crassifolius in fertile, well-drained, slightly acid soil, sheltered from cold winds and harsh sun. Incorporate plenty of organic matter when planting. The plant doesn’t need pruning but remove any broken or crossing branches in late autumn or winter. It’s hardy in milder parts of the UK but may suffer dieback in harsh winters.
How to grow Pseudopanax crassifolius
-
Plant size
5m height
3m spread
-
Aspect
East facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Back
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, partial shade
- Hardiness: Frost hardy
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy / clay / heavy / moist
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do not Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do not Plant in September |
O
Do not Plant in October |
N
Do not Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does not flower in May |
J
Plant does not flower in June |
J
Plant does flower in July |
A
Plant does flower in August |
S
Plant does flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
J
Do Prune in January |
F
Do not Prune in February |
M
Do not Prune in March |
A
Do not Prune in April |
M
Do not Prune in May |
J
Do not Prune in June |
J
Do not Prune in July |
A
Do not Prune in August |
S
Do not Prune in September |
O
Do not Prune in October |
N
Do Prune in November |
D
Do Prune in December |
Pseudopanax crassifolius and wildlife
Pseudopanax crassifolius has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Pseudopanax crassifolius poisonous?
Pseudopanax crassifolius has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
