Native: Japan
General Notes:
A Pittosporum tobira in Orange is registered as a California Big Tree. It measures 50 feet high, with a trunk circumference of 143 inches and a crown spread of 59 feet.
Tree Characteristics
- Drought tolerant.
- Shape: Rounded or Umbrella
- Foliage: Evergreen Obovate, Glossy Gray Green, Gray with Irregular White Margins
- Height: 5-10 feet.
- Width: 5 – 10 feet.
- Flowers: Showy. Fragrant Cream or White. Flowers in Spring
- Fruit: Prolific, Brown or Mostly Green Capsule, Small (0.25 – 0.50 inches), fruiting in Summer or Fall.
- Bark: Light Green or Light Gray, Smooth.
- Shading Capacity: Dense in Leaf.
- Litter Issue: Dry Fruit
Tree Site Conditions & Constraints
- Zones: Sunset 8 – 24, H1, H2; USDA Hardiness 9 – 10
- Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade.
Pests & Disease Information
- Susceptible: Aphids and Scales, Phytophthora, Root Rot and Sooty Mold.
Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns
- Branch Strength: Medium
- Root Damage Potential: Low
- Health Hazard: Allergy
- Biogenic Emissions: Low
- Attracts: Birds
Source:
SelecTree. “Pittosporum tobira Tree Record.” 1995-2018. Mar 2, 2018. < http://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/pittosporum-tobira >
The Editors of Sunset (2012) The New Sunset Western Garden Book New York, New York: Sunset Books Inc
Updated: June 20, 2023