Enkianthus Serrulatus: A Guide to Growing and Caring for It

The Enkianthus serrulatus, commonly referred to as the serrated-edge bellflower, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that stands 2.6-6 meters tall. It’s recognized for its smooth, hairless twigs.

The leaves, densely clustered at the top of the branches, have a thick papery texture, and are either elliptical or ovate in shape. The umbel-shaped flower clusters emerge from the top.

Each cluster typically contains 2-6 drooping flowers. The green calyx consists of five triangular segments, while the bell-shaped corolla is a white-greenish color.

The ovary is cylindrical, and the fruit is an elliptical capsule that turns yellow-brown when dry. This plant bears small seeds equipped with two membranous wings. It flowers in April and fruits between May and July.

Morphological Features

As a deciduous shrub or small tree, the Enkianthus serrulatus reaches heights between 2.6 to 6 meters. Its twigs are smooth and devoid of hairs.

There are 12-15 persistent bud scales. The densely-packed leaves at the branch tips are thick and papery, measuring 6-8(-11) cm in length and (2.8-)3.2-3.5(-4) cm in width. The apex of the leaves tapers slightly, while the base is broadly wedge-shaped or rounded.

Their margins have fine serrations and do not curl back. The upper surface is hairless, though there might be some soft hairs on the midrib. The lower surface of the midrib is covered in white soft hairs.

Both the midrib and the lateral veins are prominently visible, protruding on the underside of the leaf. The leaf stalks are slender, measuring 6-12(-20) mm in length, and are hairless.

The flowers are top-borne in umbel-shaped clusters, each carrying 2-6 drooping flowers. The flower stalks are 1-1.5(-2) cm long but become upright, thicker, and can grow up to 3 cm when bearing fruit. The green calyx consists of five triangular segments.

The white-greenish bell-shaped corolla measures about 1 cm in length, with five shallow lobes that curl backwards. There are 10 stamens; the white filaments are about 5 mm long, broadened and flattened at the base with white soft hairs, and the anthers have two reflexed awns.

The cylindrical ovary contains 5 chambers, each with 10-15 ovules. The hairless style is about 5 mm long. The elliptical capsule fruit measures about 1 cm in length and 6-8 mm in diameter. When dried, they turn yellow-brown, have distinct ridges, and remain topped with a persistent style.

Each chamber contains several seeds, which are slender and about 2 mm long, each equipped with two membranous wings. The flowering period is in April, while fruiting occurs from May to July.

Growing Environment

This plant thrives on hillsides at altitudes ranging from 800 to 1,800 meters.

Distribution Range

Enkianthus serrulatus is native to various regions in China, including Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Fujian, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan, Guizhou, and Yunnan. The model specimen was collected from Badong in Hubei.

Primary Uses

The root of this plant has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, particularly for dispelling wind, eliminating dampness, and promoting blood circulation.