Eastern USA. Broadly spreading, deciduous. Healthy large green leaves - yellow in autumn. Branches on older trees have a few large thorns. 2cm wide white flowers in large clusters and large scarlet fruits. Good screening.

W.China. Dominant central leader and spreading crown, deciduous. Renowned for its floral display, looking like white handkerchiefs fluttering in breeze. Suited to mild climates.

Symphyomurtus more prone to insect attack. Naturally durable heavy timber, originates in mixed coastal forest of Southern NSW and S.E. Victoria on fertlie free draining soils.Tolerates seasonal flooding and light frost to -6C. Rainfall 600-2500mm, Altitude 0-500m, will coppice, and resprout epicormic growth after fire, forms a lignotuber. Not suited to dry, or exposed coastal sites. Potential for organic vineyard posts, fencing, decking and heavy construction.

Symphyomyrtus, more prone to insect attack. Mountains of Victoria. Broadly conical when young, grows rapidly, cold hardy to -12C, best in regular rainfall at higher altitude. Unthrifty by age 20 at low altitude in warmer districts, but yields a lot of firewood. Low tolerance to drought. 700-1750mm rainfall, not for coastal sites, easily killed by fire. Grows to 1300m altitude, and in Westland on well drained soils. Timber non-durable used for flooring, furniture, saws well, needs careful drying. Sheds long strips of bark, coppicing less reliable. Recommend planting in early Spring after chance of frosts.