Bee-bee Tree

Native to China and Korea, Tetradium daniellii, commonly known as the Bee-bee Tree, was first introduced to Kew Gardens in 1907.

Clusters of small white flowers typically appear from late spring into early summer and, as the common name suggests, are highly attractive to bees. These are followed by small red seed pods, which open to reveal glossy black seeds that are enjoyed by birds.

A spreading deciduous tree, it has large leaves up to 40cm long, each composed of around 11 ovate leaflets. The foliage turns yellow in autumn, adding further seasonal interest.

With its broadly rounded crown, Tetradium daniellii is best suited to parkland or a large garden where it has plenty of space to develop. It is hardy, rated H6, and performs best in a sheltered position on free-draining soil. It typically develops a spread of around 4-8m.

Mature height: 12-17m

Common names

Bee-bee Tree

Height of tree

12-17m

Soil type

Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Broad

Blossom Colour

White

Foliage Colour

Green

Looks good in

AutumnSummer

Location

GardenParkland

Genus

Tetradium