False Ash
ehretia microphylla
Also known as: ["Littleleaf Ehretia","Small-leaved Ehretia"]
Overview
A small evergreen tree or shrub with tiny leaves and clusters of white flowers, native to East Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Boraginales |
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Genus: | Ehretia |
| Botanical Name: | Ehretia microphylla |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: indoor pot or outdoor garden bed in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light, protect from intense midday sun, adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; move outdoors in spring/summer for stronger light.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); can tolerate mild fluctuations but avoid prolonged exposure to extremes.
Protect from drafts, maintain stable temperatures, avoid placing near heating/cooling vents.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 4–6 weeks; establish in new pot after 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning, heading back to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, encourage bushier growth, remove dead or overgrown branches.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, use fresh well-draining soil, ensure proper drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; promotes fresh soil and root health.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, use fresh soil, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensure deep watering to reach roots, allow excess water to drain, water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage, incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility, use a cactus mix as a base.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, or wilting.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or browning; vulnerable to frost damage below 40°F (4°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, avoid placing near drafty windows or doors.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or leaf drop due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, rinse pot periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicEhretia microphylla is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not pose a known risk of toxicity to felines through ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicEhretia microphylla is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicEhretia microphylla is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. The plant does not produce known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ehretia microphylla suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: It is primarily an outdoor plant, though it can be grown indoors in a large container with sufficient light.
Q: Does Ehretia microphylla produce edible fruits?
A: The plant produces small fruits, but their edibility is not well-documented for human consumption.
Q: How fast does Ehretia microphylla grow?
A: It has a moderate growth rate, neither extremely fast nor slow.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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