Plant Patent #13,822. One of the most exciting new plant introductions in years, 'Summer Chocolate' was first discovered by Dr. Masato Yokoi in Japan in 1990 as a seedling. Its ferny compound leaves emerge bronze-green in late spring, then darken to a rich burgundy-chocolate by summer and maintain their dark color even in hot, humid climates. For colder climates such as Zone 6, it's a dependable, hardy tree for those that want to achieve a tropical look. This tree is one of the last to leaf out, so don't be disappointed if you don't see foliage right away in spring - its magnificent display is well worth the wait. Showy pink clusters of powderpuff blooms stand out amongst the rich chocolate foliage in late summer and have a pleasantly sweet melon scent. Flat seedpods adorn the tree in fall and persist into winter.
This fast-growing deciduous tree has a wide, vase-shaped habit with an arching dome-shaped canopy and grows up to 8 feet in its first season. Its open, airy habit makes it highly wind-resistant and provides filtered shade. These tough trees are drought-tolerant and adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, including salt spray. 'Summer Chocolate' transplants easily, has no major pest problems, and is reputed to be deer-resistant.
It will achieve the deepest, darkest color in full sun but is also tolerant of partial shade. Use this highly ornamental tree as a landscape specimen, accent, or patio planting for years of conversation-starting beauty. Zones 6-10.
