Needlebush
Glochidion puberum
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Pl. FC15 — Glochidion puberum
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IOverview
Overview
Needlebush (Glochidion puberum) is a shrub or small tree native to regions including China North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast, as well as parts of Japan, Taiwan, Tibet, and the Bismarck Archipelago. Known for its edible qualities, this plant thrives in moist conditions with light to partial sun exposure. It can grow up to 3 meters tall and prefers soil types that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). One distinctive feature of Needlebush is its ability to adapt to various habitats across a wide range of native regions.
Quick answers
What is Needlebush?
Needlebush (Glochidion puberum) is a shrub or small tree native to regions including China North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast, as well as parts of Japan, Taiwan, Tibet, and the Bismarck Archipelago. Known for its edible qualities, this plant thrives in moist conditions with light to partial sun exposure.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Needlebush thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows up to 3 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, use cuttings or seeds. Ensure the plant receives adequate moisture, especially during dry periods, to maintain its health.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Needlebush for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Needlebush in a sunny spot, and you'll have a low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Needlebush plants or seeds, a trowel, watering can or hose.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with light to partial shade. Ensure soil is well-draining but moist.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from containers into your garden bed, spacing them about 3 meters apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells and occasional pruning for shape maintenance.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to encourage new growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
19 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
19 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 19 native· 1 introduced
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanPhilippinesTaiwan
Broader regions
native:Solomon Is., Hainan, Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, Jawa, Lesser Sunda Is., Maluku, New Guinea, Northern Territory, Queensland, Sulawesi, Sumatera
introduced:Alabama
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · fc154582-8a2a-4f7b-b9e0-21a463e2fc3b
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