Picrasma quassioides aka Nigaki

Picrasma quassioides is a deciduous tree, also called nigaki. It belongs to the Simaroubaceae family and can form a shrub. Its native range runs from the Himalayas to temperate eastern Asia. This includes parts of India, China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan. It grows in lowland woods and on wooded hills. In the western Himalayas, it also grows in high forest ravines.

Garden size varies between the sources. RHS gives heights of 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. Its listed spread is 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. NC State gives a larger range of 30–50 feet [9–15 metres]. It lists widths of 20–25 feet [6–7.6 metres]. The tree can have a slender or rounded form. Its smooth bark is dark grey-brown, and its stems lack scent. The pinnate leaves reach about 1.3 feet [0.4 metres] long. Each leaf has seven to fifteen leaflets with uneven teeth. Autumn brings yellow, orange and red leaf colour.

Small green to yellow-green flowers grow in branched clusters called cymes. NC State places flowering in May; RHS gives early summer. Red, pea-shaped drupes follow the flowers and can turn black. These berry-like fruits form clusters that add interest in autumn. The leaves, fruit and autumn colour suit a specimen planting. The tree also provides shade in a lawn. RHS suggests it for informal gardens, courtyards and planted borders.

Grow it in fertile soil that drains well but stays moist. It accepts full sun or some shade. Sources list loam, sand and clay among suitable soil textures. It also accepts acid, neutral and alkaline soils. Give it shelter from cold winds that dry the shoots. RHS rates its cold hardiness as H7. NC State lists USDA zones 6–9. RHS reports few pest or disease problems. It gives a maturity range of twenty to fifty years. Seeds can be sown in autumn in a cold frame.

Plants For A Future lists the fruit as edible. Young buds have also been used to make tea. A bitter extract serves as a hop substitute in brewing. Traditional medicine uses include bark preparations and wood compounds for digestive complaints. Such uses do not establish that home treatments are safe. The bark or wood also supplies material for insecticides. The hard, close-grained wood has uses in utensils and mosaic work. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards, but this is not proof of safety.