Contents
Description
Buckleya Lanceolata, also known as the Buckley’s Chance Tree, is a small deciduous tree that belongs to the Santalaceae family. This plant is native to southeastern parts of the United States and has been used as medicine by Native American Indians. The tree grows to a height of 3m and produces small red berries that are used for dyeing. The bark of the plant contains unique chemicals that are used to cure fever, rheumatism, and other illnesses.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Santalales |
| Family | Santalaceae |
| Genus | Buckleya |
Appearance
Buckleya Lanceolata is a small deciduous tree with a unique appearance. The tree has slender branches and produces glossy green leaves that are lance-shaped and 2-4 inches long. The leaves grow in opposite pairs along the branches. In the fall, the leaves turn a bright yellow color before falling off. The tree produces small red berries that are 1/4 inch in diameter and contain a single seed. The berries are used for dyeing and are not edible.
Care Guide
Buckleya Lanceolata is a low maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to help you care for this plant:- Water: The tree prefers moist soil but can tolerate drought conditions. Water the plant regularly during the summer months.- Fertilization: The tree does not require regular fertilization. However, you can fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer once a year.- Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic.- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate shade but may produce fewer flowers and berries.- Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Buckleya Lanceolata is not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by the following:- Scale insects: These insects suck the sap from the leaves and cause yellowing and wilting. You can control scale insects with insecticidal soap.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. You can control powdery mildew with a fungicide.
Habitat
Buckleya Lanceolata is native to the southeastern parts of the United States, including Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. The tree grows in moist woods and along riverbanks. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Questions and Answers
Q: Can the berries of Buckleya Lanceolata be eaten?
A: No, the berries are not edible.
Q: How tall does Buckleya Lanceolata grow?
A: Buckleya Lanceolata can grow up to 3m tall.
Q: Is Buckleya Lanceolata a low maintenance plant?
A: Yes, Buckleya Lanceolata is a low maintenance plant that requires minimal care.
Q: Where is Buckleya Lanceolata native to?
A: Buckleya Lanceolata is native to the southeastern parts of the United States.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that belong to the Santalaceae family:- Comandra umbellata- Exocarpos cupressiformis- Thesium chinense
References
– “Buckleya lanceolata (Pursh) Sarg.” USDA Plants Database. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=BULA7- “Buckleya lanceolata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=257969&isprofile=0&cv=1- “Buckleya lanceolata.” North Carolina State University. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/buckleya-lanceolata/
