Also known as Common Sweetleaf · Horsesugar · Yellowwood
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade to Full Sun
50% intensity
Thrives in partial shade but can tolerate full sun if soil moisture is consistent.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Prefers evenly moist soil, but dislikes waterlogged conditions.
Well-drained soil
50% intensity
Adaptable
50% intensity
Tolerates a range of temperatures, hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Light Feeding
25% intensity
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilization.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Sweetleaf prefers consistently moist soil. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering slightly during winter dormancy, but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Prune to shape the plant and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. This can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Lightly prune after flowering to encourage bushier growth and better flowering in subsequent years.
Sweetleaf can be propagated from seeds, which may require stratification. Softwood cuttings taken in late spring or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in mid-summer are also effective.
Ensure cuttings have at least two nodes and use a rooting hormone for best results.
Young plants may benefit from repotting every 1-2 years in spring. Mature plants generally do not require frequent repotting and prefer to be left undisturbed.
Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot only slightly larger than the current root ball.
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Photos of Sweetleaf (Symplocos tinctoria)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
