
This deciduous small tree is now believed to originate from China.
It grows to about 25 ft (8 m) tall with an open, spreading, rounded
head and smooth beige-colored bark streaked red-brown.
It bears large clusters of frilly pink to deep red flowers.
The flowerheads appear at the tips of the current seasons growth;
they are largest on strong growths, encouraged by cutting back the
main branches in winter; if left unpruned, the tree develops an
attractive, open shape, with massed smaller heads.
Astringent; Depurative; Diuretic; Febrifuge; Hydrogogue; Purgative;
Stimulant; Styptic.
The stem bark is febrifuge, stimulant and styptic.
The bark, flowers and leaves are considered to be hydrogogue and a
drastic purgative.
The root is astringent, detoxicant and diuretic.
A decoction of the flowers is used in the treatment of colds
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