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Resources < Wildlife Habitats < Native Plants < Native Plant Database < Osmanthus americanus
This small evergreen tree is not often used in landscapes, but it should be. With its evergreen leaves and open habit, devilwood is an excellent choice when you want soft, subtle screening, and its delicate, graceful shape makes it the perfect specimen tree. Devilwood has lovely pale bark to contrast with its dark leaves, and its tiny spring flowers are highly fragrant. The fragrance is so delicious you’ll probably want to site your devilwood within easy smelling distance—near a deck or patio or close to a window or entryway.
Devilwood grows in both rich and poor soils, and although it is usually found in moist areas in the wild, it can tolerate periods of dryness. Devilwood gets its name from its extremely tough wood, which is almost impossible to split. Lucky for us gardeners, the shape of this little tree is so naturally beautiful it should never need pruning.
Oleaceae ( Olive Family)
Large evergreen shrub or small tree with smooth-edged, dark olive green, elliptical or lance-shaped leaves. Tiny, fragrant, greenish white flowers bloom in early spring. Dark bluish purple drupes are available from September to the following March.
15 to 25’ high and 15 to 20’ wide.
Large shrub or small, multi-trunked tree with a loose, open form.
Slow to medium.
Full sun to part shade. Tends to become thin and straggly in heavy shade.
Plants prefer moist, loose, acid soils but can be quite drought tolerant once established.
Assets include evergreen foliage, fragrant spring flowers, and a delicate, graceful form.
Use as a specimen tree, for screening, or as a vertical accent in foundation plantings.
Fruits are eaten by birds and small mammals. Flowers attract butterflies.
Found along streams, swamps, and bluffs in the understory of forests in the Coastal Plain.
Semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings have had some success; not an easy plant to propagate.
Written by Leslie Kimel, Georgia Wildlife Federation
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Devilwood
