Forestry

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Forestry

A Virginia Silky Camellia

By , About.com Guide

1 of 3

Virginia Stewartia, The Silky Camellia

Virginia stewartia in Bloom

Virginia stewartia in Bloom

Photo by Steve Nix, Licensed to About.com
Stewartia malacodendron or Silky Camellia is uncommon in its Southeastern natural range and very rare in several southern U.S. states. Hard to propagate, it tantalizes gardeners but is not a candidate for the mass market nurseryman. Only a true southern gardener is willing to gamble and work with the plant.

A properly sited Virginia stewartia specimen in bloom is one of the most beautiful native flowering trees of the southern United States. The tree is actually considered endangered in Florida and Arkansas. Consider youself lucky if you find a Stewartia malacodendron.

I found this small tree in a southern Virginia city park, Northwest River Park, near Chesapeake.

  • City of Chesapeake's Northwest River Park

    • Explore Forestry

    About.com Special Features

    Dinosaur Discoveries of the Decade

    The top 10 fossil discoveries between 2000 and 2010. More >

    How to Ace the GRE

    Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

    Forestry

    1. Home
    2. Education
    3. Forestry
    4. Identifying Your Trees
    5. Tree and Forest Celebration
    6. Virginia Stewartia, The Silky Camellia>

    ©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

    All rights reserved.