Pterostyrax Hispida

The fragrant epaulette tree is a spreading Japanese deciduous tree whose summer branches become hung with long, drooping panicles of small white, bell-shaped flowers. Their sweet scent and soft tasselled outline give the plant its common name, as the clusters resemble ornamental epaulettes beneath the leaves. The flowers are followed by distinctive spindle-shaped fruits covered in pale brown hairs, while mature bark can develop attractive texture. Pterostyrax hispidus is hardy and elegant, making an unusual specimen for a spacious lawn or woodland garden with deep, non-chalky soil.