Common Name:

General Information

Ostrya japonica is a deciduous tree growing up to 25 metres tall[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood and also for use as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations.
Ostrya japonica has a fairly wide distribution with no reported major threats. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2014)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - north central China (Gansu, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Shaanxi, Sichuan ), Korea, Japan

Habitat

Deep, rich, moist soils in temperate forests; at elevations from 1,000 - 2,800 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	18.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

An extract of the leaves is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as an antimicrobial, antioxidant, emollient, skin conditioner and protector[].

The wood is hard and shiny, and is used in construction and making furniture[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, it normally germinates in spring. The germination rate is variable but usually good[]. 'Green' seed, harvested when the embryo has fully formed but before the outer coat has dried, sown immediately in a cold frame germinates very well. Stored seed requires stratification, 3 months warm then 5 months cold usually works well but germination can take 18 months[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.