Sheffield's Seed Company Page

Introduce your garden or landscape to the exquisite Stewartia serrata, commonly known as Sawtooth Stewartia or Japanese Stewartia. This deciduous tree captivates with its stunning attributes and compact size, typically remaining under 20 feet when grown in favorable conditions. The tree features an elegant upright to vase-shaped habit, with young shoots that showcase a charming tan-brown hue and a soft hairy texture. Its leaves are leathery, glabrous, and showcase serrated edges, measuring between 2-3 inches with strikingly pointed tips.

Come late spring to early summer, Stewartia serrata unveils its true beauty with 2-3 inch wide creamy white flowers, often displaying a unique red tint at the base, surrounded by yellow anthers. These blooms gradually give way to dark reddish-brown ovoid capsules as the seasons transition. The bark of older wood matures into a distinguished gray-brown shade, and come fall, its foliage transforms into a vivid display of crimson-red to orange-red, ensuring year-round visual interest.

Hailing from the mountainous forests of Japan and a resilient member of the Theaceae family, this tree can thrive in hardiness zones with temperatures ranging from -20 to 10°F. Stewartia serrata is an ideal choice for those who appreciate its elegant structure, vibrant seasonal interest, and refined floral display.