Sheffield's Seed Company Page

Discover the enchantment of Keteleeria fortunei, an ancient conifer native to Southern China, Formosa, and Northern Vietnam – a relic thriving in the serene settings of some USA arboretums. Known as Fortune’s Keteleeria, this majestic evergreen conjures festive charm all year round with its striking resemblance to the traditional Christmas tree. Ideal for USDA Zones 7-9, K. fortunei flourishes in warm temperate to subtropical cloud forests with rich, loamy soil.

Standing tall at up to 100 feet with horizontal branches, it boasts a pyramidal crown, offering an awe-inspiring silhouette akin to the silver firs. Its smooth young shoots, adorned with scurf, give way to lustrous dark green linear leaves that persist for over five years. As seasons shift, the tree adorns itself with erect, cylindrical cones that transition from a vibrant purple to a refined pale brown.

From ancient forests valued for their spiritual symbolism to modern landscape applications, K. fortunei remains a protected botanical gem under Chinese forestry regulations. Its historical significance, coupled with its practical usage in construction and ornamental horticulture, makes K. fortunei not only a living relic but a treasure with untapped economic prospects. As you walk among these regal trees, relish the timeless beauty and deep heritage encapsulated within the boughs of Fortune's Keteleeria.