Picrasma quassioides
Picrasma quassioides
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 46D0 — Picrasma quassioides
Picrasma quassioidesPicrasma quassioidesPicrasma quassioidesPicrasma quassioidesPicrasma quassioidesPicrasma quassioidesPicrasma quassioidesPicrasma quassioidesPicrasma quassioidesPicrasma quassioidesPicrasma quassioidesPicrasma quassioidesPicrasma quassioidesPicrasma quassioides
IOverview
Overview
Picrasma quassioides, commonly known as bitterwood or Chinese bitter tree, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to regions of Asia including Assam, China, Japan, Korea, and parts of the Himalayas. This plant thrives in moist soils and prefers partial sun to full sun exposure, making it adaptable to various environments within its native range. Known for its edible fruit, P. quassioides is also valued for its ornamental qualities due to its attractive foliage and growth habit. One distinctive feature of this plant is its light green leaves that turn a striking yellow in autumn, adding color to the landscape.
Quick answers
What is Picrasma quassioides?
Picrasma quassioides, commonly known as bitterwood or Chinese bitter tree, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to regions of Asia including Assam, China, Japan, Korea, and parts of the Himalayas.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Picrasma quassioides thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in zones 5-9 and can reach a height of 10 meters. For propagation, use the fruit. Ensure the plant has adequate moisture and a suitable growing environment for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Mature size
10.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Picrasma quassioides for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Picrasma quassioides to experience growing a hardy, versatile tree.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Picrasma quassioides sapling and some basic gardening tools like a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early fall when the weather is mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining, with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. For containers, use a potting mix suitable for trees.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant your sapling into a prepared hole that's slightly larger than its root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for any signs of stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade, and continue regular watering as needed. Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer if desired.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Focus on pruning to maintain shape rather than harvesting. Prune during the dormant season for best results.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, and neglecting proper pruning are common issues beginners should avoid.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Condiment, Tea
Other uses:Pest controlLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
14 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
14 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 14 native
Asia6 regions
native (6)ChinaIndiaJapanNepalSouth KoreaTaiwan
Broader regions
native:Hainan, Nansei-shoto, West Himalaya, East Himalaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 46d06942-f3b8-4413-a5c1-b6843ffe624d
Decision aid
Choosing between Picrasma quassioides and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.