Stewartia pseudocamellia aka Korean Stewartia

Stewartia pseudocamellia is a tree known as Japanese stewartia. It belongs to the tea family, Theaceae. It grows wild in mountain forests of Japan and Korea. The tree grows slowly and sheds its leaves each year. Garden trees reach 20–40 feet (6.1–12.2 m) tall. Their crowns can spread to 30 feet (9.1 m). Wild trees may reach 60 feet (18.3 m). Several stems can form a large shrub instead. This form reaches 12–15 feet (3.7–4.6 m) tall. The crown has a pyramid or oval shape. Low branches and several trunks are common.

The bark peels away to show a smooth surface. Gray, orange, and red-brown patches give the trunk varied color. This bark remains a feature after the leaves fall. Young twigs bend in a zigzag pattern. Their flat, reddish buds have fine, silky hairs. Dark green leaves grow in an alternate pattern. Each leaf has an oval shape and finely toothed edges. Small tufts of hair grow on the leaf undersides. Fall brings yellow, orange, red, and purple tones.

White flowers open from June through August in some gardens. Other records place bloom in June and July. Each flower forms a cup with five petals. The blooms reach about 0.21 feet (0.064 m) across. Yellow to orange anthers stand out against the petals. Each bloom drops soon, but more flowers keep opening. Bees visit the flowers, and the tree attracts birds. Hard capsules follow the blooms and persist on the branches. These pointed fruits turn from green to brown. They add little color to the garden.

Grow this tree in rich soil that drains well. Sandy loam with steady moisture suits it best. Acid soil is preferred, though RHS also lists neutral soil. Sources differ on clay; Missouri Botanical Garden advises against it. Dry, rocky ground and poor drainage also cause trouble. The tree needs regular moisture and cannot cope with drought. Full sun or part shade can suit the plant. Shield it from afternoon sun where summers are hot. Give it shelter from cold, drying winter winds. Sources list USDA zones 5–8 and UK rating H5. Young plants transplant better, but roots take time to settle.

Use it as a lawn, patio, border, or woodland tree. Flowers, fall leaves, and bare bark offer interest across seasons. Sources report few major pest or disease problems. RHS notes possible honey fungus where the fungus already occurs. The degree of risk remains unclear. PFAF lists cooked young leaves as an edible part. It reports no known hazards, but that is not proof of safety for pets. It lists no known medicinal use.