Trochodendron aralioides is the only species of its kind, with no relatives. Introduced from mountain woodlands in the Far East a century ago, it's relatively uncommon in gardens, but coveted once seen, especially when in flower. Although trees in the wild can reach 20m, they are much smaller in cultivation, and may be pruned as bushy shrubs. The older branches have fine brown aromatic bark, while the scalloped long-stalked leaves are a bright rich green, as are the flowers, borne in upright, disc-shaped clusters.
Grow Trochodendron aralioides in well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny site. Offer winter protection in northern regions. To propagate, take cuttings in summer or sow seed in autumn.
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Sow
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Plant
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Flowers
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Take cuttings
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Trochodendron and wildlife
Trochodendron has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
