Wheel Tree. What an inauspicious name for such a wonderful plant which refers to its apetalous stamen-spoked flowers . This species is native from Japan to South Korea and over to Taiwan. Even though in the wild it will reach to 60', in cultivation here I would expect it to only reach large shrub to small tree proportions. Being in the family Trochodendraceae, it flowers with terminal inflorescence of star-like greenish flowers in spring but is unique from other woody plants in not having vessels in its vascular system. It relies instead on specialized xylem cells called tracheids to transport minerals and water throughout the plant body similar to conifers. Its evergreen leaves are whorled around the terminal bud, with much of the stems being bare between each flush of growth. It will develop into an absolutely captivating small umbrella-like tree in the landscape. Here in zone 8 it seems to be happiest when planted in part shade or morning sun and afternoon shade. But in cooler climes, it does well in full sun. Easily grown but very slow. Zones 6-8.
