Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Devilwood (Cartrema americana)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Lamiales>Oleaceae>Cartrema americana (Linnaeus) Rafinesque

Devilwood (Osmanthus americanus) leaves

Devilwood is an uncommon small tree of maritime forests along the coast of North Carolina. In the southeastern corner of NC and further south it also occurs inland.

The evergreen opposite leaves are thick and leathery, with entire margins. The most similar species is the exotic invasive Glossy Privet (Ligustrum lucidum), which has shorter, broader, long-pointed leaves.

More commonly known as Osmanthus americanus (L.) Bentham & Hooker f. ex Gray

Brunswick Co., NC 8/28/2010.

Devilwood (Osmanthus americanus) flowers

The name Devilwood refers to the toughness and unsplittable nature of the wood. Also known as Wild Olive.

Carteret Co., NC 4/14/07.

Devilwood (Osmanthus americanus) flowers

Small white flowers appear in early spring, from late March to mid-April.

Carteret Co., NC 4/14/07.

Devilwood (Osmanthus americanus) flowers

Carteret Co., NC 4/14/07.

Devilwood (Osmanthus americanus) bark

Bark of a mature tree. The bark is smooth, with warty lenticels.

Dare Co., NC 3/24/02.

Devilwood (Osmanthus americanus)

Brunswick Co., NC 8/28/2010.

More information:
Floridata
Louisiana Ecosystems
Trees of the Maritime Forest
Virginia Tech Dendrology

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