Bright and colorful
Dendronenthamia japonica var. chinensis, commonly known as dogwood, chicken fruit, or stone date, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 9 meters tall. Its branchlets are slender, initially green and later turning brown with a smooth surface. The leaves are papery, opposite in arrangement, ovate to ovate-elliptic in shape. The upper surface of the leaves is dark green and sparsely covered with white hairs, while the lower surface is pinkish-green with dense white pubescence. The veins are pinnate, slightly curved upwards, with clusters of yellow or white hairs along them. The flowers are bisexual, small, and arranged in globose heads at the ends of branchlets, typically containing 20 to 30 blossoms. They feature four large, white sepals that resemble petals, and they bloom from May to June, giving rise to the name "Four Flowers." The fruits are clustered into spherical, fleshy drupes that turn purple between September and October, hence the common name "chicken fruit."
Sizhaohua is a temperate species native to the Yangtze River valley and regions such as Henan, Shaanxi, and Gansu. It thrives in forests, valleys, and near streams at elevations ranging from 60 to 2200 meters. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is adaptable to warm, humid climates and grows well in fertile, well-drained sandy soils. It is resilient, able to withstand cold, dry conditions, and can survive temperatures as low as -15°C. In southern areas, it can be planted directly in open fields.
Propagation of Sizhaohua is typically done through suckers or cuttings, though seeds can also be used. After the plant sheds its leaves in winter or during late spring, young shoots growing around the base can be transplanted. Cuttings are best taken during the growing season, from March to April, using one- or two-year-old shoots. These are cut into 5–6 cm sections and planted in pure sand or sandy soil, shaded, and kept moist for about 50 days. For seed propagation, ripe fruits are collected in fall, dried, and stored in ventilated containers. Most seeds have hard coats and require treatment—such as soaking, removing the oily skin, or sanding the waxed layer—before being soaked in warm water for 20 days. Germination occurs in early spring, and seedlings need careful management, including regular watering, loosening the soil, weeding, and fertilizing to promote strong root growth. Plants can be ready for planting after three years, and flowering usually begins around the eighth year.
Sizhaohua responds well to pruning, which can be done before spring growth to maintain a neat and attractive shape. The main disease affecting it is leaf spot, which can be managed by spraying with carbendazim or zinc-based solutions.
The plant is admired for its elegant appearance and striking blooms in early summer. Its white bracts cover the entire tree, creating a butterfly-like dance in the wind. In autumn, the trees are laden with red fruits, evoking a sense of abundance and joy. It is an excellent ornamental tree, suitable for gardens, lawns, roadsides, forest edges, and water features. Even when the leaves turn maroon in fall, it remains visually stunning. The fruit is edible, and the wood is hard, straight-grained, and easy to work with, making it valuable for various uses. Additionally, it has medicinal value: the fruit can be consumed fresh or used in wine and vinegar; the leaves can be applied to wounds to reduce swelling, and the roots and seeds are used in traditional medicine to improve circulation and treat menstrual issues and abdominal pain.
Currently, there is growing interest in imported ornamental tree species, leading to imbalances in the nursery market due to long introduction and testing cycles. This has resulted in a shortage of domestic seedlings. Indigenous species like Sizhaohua, which are widely distributed, easy to propagate, and have a short growth cycle, offer a viable solution. They can be planted on barren land for greening, beautification, and soil improvement. With its vibrant foliage and ornamental value, Sizhaohua is increasingly used in urban landscaping. In recent years, it has been successfully applied in gardening projects in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, where its unique four-flower display and colorful autumn leaves have made it a popular choice.
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