Pterostyrax corymbosus

Flower name
Pterostyrax corymbosus
Scientific name
Pterostyrax corymbosus
Alias麻殻, 白辛樹, アサギ, the epaulette tree, Pterostyrax
Place of originJapan and China
Place of floweringGarden, Botanical Gardens, Cemetery & Temple
Flowering seasonMay, June

What is Pterostyrax corymbosus

Pterostyrax corymbosus, commonly called Pterostyrax, the epaulette tree, scientific name: Pterostyrax corymbosus) is a deciduous tall tree of the family Styracaceae, native to Japan and China.
It is also known by the alternative name Asagi, and in English, it is called Pterostyrax or the epaulette tree.
It grows naturally in mountainous regions west of central Honshu.
Its height can reach up to 15 meters.
The leaf blade length is 6 to 14 cm, and the leaves are arranged alternately.

In early summer, panicle inflorescences extend from the branches of the previous year, and numerous white flowers hang downward, resembling those of a related species, Hakunboku (scientific name: Styrax obassia).
Oil can be extracted from the fruit, and the wood is used for tools and as matchstick material.
The wood is white, soft, and fragile. It is used for wooden tools and matchsticks, while oil is extracted from the fruit.

Language of flowers
“Purity”, “Delicacy”

Common name: Pterostyrax corymbosus,
Scientific name: Pterostyrax corymbosus
Other names: Pterostyrax, the epaulette tree,asagara or asagi(in Japanese)
Taxonomic classification: Order Ericales, Family Styracaceae, Genus Pterostyrax
Life form: Deciduous small tall tree
Origin: Japan, China
Habitat distribution: Mountainous areas west of the Kansai region
Tree height: 6–10 m
Bark color: Pale grayish brown
Leaf blade length: 6–18 cm
Leaf texture: Star-shaped hairs scattered on both surfaces, with 5–8 pairs of lateral veins
Leaf color: Pale green (underside)
Leaf shape: Obovate
Leaf margin: Shallow serrations
Leaf arrangement: Alternate
Flowering period: May–June
Flower position: On the previous year’s branches
Inflorescence type: Panicle
Inflorescence length: 8–12 cm
Number of petals: 5
Number of stamens: 10
Flower color: White
Flower orientation: Pendulous
Fruiting period: October
Fruit shape: Obovate with 5 ridges
Fruit length: 1 cm
Uses: Garden tree, shrines, tool wood, matchstick material, oil extracted from fruit