Willing landscape

Paliurus Christs Thorn

Paliurus hemsley
native to China is similar to the more well known P. spina-christi but much larger in size and foliage. It is a small to medium size tree with the largest on record being 65 feet in height with a trunk diameter of 2.5 feet.
The obovate leaves at up to 4 inches in length.
Hardy north to zone 9

Paliurus spina-christi

A moderate growing, large shrub to 14 feet or rarely a tree, that is native from Spain to central Asia. Some records include: 20 years - 23 x 23 feet; largest on record - 33 x 30 feet with a trunk diameter of 1 foot. Excellent for use as a barrier hedge.
Can be used as a hedging plant. Old plants can be cut back to the base and will regrow. This is the plant that was supposedly used to make Jesuss Crown of Thorns.
The deciduous, oval leaves are up to 1.7 x 1 inches, are mid-green, turning to yellow in autumn.
The profuse, yellow green flowers are small and borne in small clusters in spring. They are followed by a flat, round fruits with a membranous wing.
The well armed, arching stems have pairs ( 1 straight and 1 curved ) of sharp spines.
Hardy zones 7 to 10, hardy north to Baltimore.
Prefers fertile, very well drained soil and a warm sunny site. Very drought tolerant.
Pruning in winter is recommended to cut out old wood and prevent overcrowding. Hedging is best pruned in winter while dormant.
Propagation can either be from seed sown during autumn or softwood cuttings taken in summer.

* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.




* photo taken on October 17 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.