Description
Tetradium daniellii is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to China and Korea, widely appreciated for its exceptional value to pollinators. The tree typically grows 10 to 15 meters tall with a broad, rounded crown and large pinnate leaves composed of multiple oval leaflets. In mid to late summer, when few other trees are in bloom, it produces large clusters of small, creamy white, fragrant flowers that are extremely attractive to bees and other pollinating insects. After flowering, reddish seed capsules develop, adding ornamental interest.
This species grows best in full sun to light shade and adapts well to a range of soils provided they are reasonably well drained. It is hardy, relatively fast growing, and commonly planted in parks, gardens, and beekeeping landscapes due to its abundant nectar production.
Sow seeds in autumn outdoors so they experience natural winter cold stratification. Alternatively, seeds can be stratified artificially by placing them in moist medium in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 months before sowing in spring. Germination occurs best when temperatures warm in spring.
Germination Guide
🌍 Korea and southwestern China (Anhui, Gansu, Guizhou, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Jiangsu, Liaoning, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Sichuan, Tibet, Yunnan)
Moderate
Tetradium daniellii, commonly called the bee-bee tree or Korean evodia, is a deciduous tree native to Korea and China that produces fragrant white flowers in late summer, highly attractive to bees. The species has extremely hard seeds requiring pre-treatment such as warm water soaking or cold stratification to achieve successful germination within 1-3 months.
Germination
Germination time
Expect germination in
7 – 90 days
Temperature
Min 15°C
Ideal 20°C
Max 25°C
🌡️ Temperature alternation recommended
— Alternating temperatures from 15°C night to 20°C day are recommended for optimal germination.
Substrate moisture
💧 Medium
Seed Pre-treatment
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💧
Soaking — 12 hours
Soak seeds in room temperature water for 12-24 hours before sowing. Can be combined with warm water treatment for improved results.
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🔨
Hot water scarification
Soak seeds in warm water at 40°C for 24 hours, or hot water at 90°C for 90 seconds before sowing. Due to extreme seed coat hardness, pre-treatment is beneficial.
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❄️
Cold stratification — 42 days at 3°C
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📋
Additional notes
Seeds have extremely hard seed coats requiring pre-treatment. Alternative strategies include 4 cycles of freezing (-18°C) and thawing at room temperature. Cold stratification of 6 weeks improves germination rates.
Substrate & Container
Recommended substrate
Well-drained seed starting mix, peat moss, or sand for stratification
Recommended container
Seed trays or pots with heat mat for optimal results
Growing Tips
Sow seeds 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) deep and tamp the soil gently; apply mulch to the seed bed. Use heat mats and maintain 14 hours daily light exposure for indoor sowing. Stratification in moist sand for 3-6 weeks significantly improves germination rates. Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Seedlings should be kept indoors in a greenhouse for their first winter before transplanting outdoors in late spring.
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