Plant Profile: Stewartia malacodendron

Stewartia malacodendron, commonly known as Silky Camellia, is a deciduous shrub indigenous to North Carolina. It typically thrives in mesic forests, particularly on beech-dominated bluffs or "upland islands" within Coastal Plain swamps.

This plant features lightly striped, cinnamon-hued bark and should be fertilized sparingly. It is a slow-growing species with glossy green foliage and can develop into a multi-trunked shrub or a small tree, showcasing its attractive exfoliating bark. In the fall, it displays vibrant red-orange hues. The large white flowers, measuring 2 to 3 inches across, are adorned with striking purple-red stamens.

It is important to note that this shrub does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.