Erythrophleum fordii Seeds | Iron Wood
LATIN NAME: Erythrophleum fordii
COMMON NAME: Iron Wood
Plant Profile
Iron Wood (Erythrophleum fordii) is an evergreen tree in the pea family. Iron wood of the East is one of hardest trees in the forest. Tree is a fine, long-lived presence of warm forests. It is a tree of deep, rich, well-drained ground. The ratio of effort to reward here is about as good as gardening gets.
Science & Biotechnology
Like other members of the pea family, Erythrophleum fordii draws steady attention from botanists and plant breeders, who value the genus both as a subject of research and as a source of garden-worthy material. Iron wood has a hard and serious story in plant science, studied for heavy, iron-hard timber and way tree stands for centuries. Species like this one find a second career as research material, especially in propagation and breeding work.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Iron Wood has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Iron wood is a tree of the first rank in the forests and the timber trade, with a hard reputation to match. Heavy, dark, iron-hard timber is one of great woods of region, cut for bridges, wharves, piles, tool handles and heavy construction that must stand years and the water. Tree is also a fine, handsome, long-lived presence of large garden and park, and bark and wood carry potent compounds of old practice, so plant is one for timber yard and study rather than the table. Mature plants need little attention in a well-chosen position.
A tree like this repays patience for decades: it cools and shelters its surroundings, hosts birds and insects, and stores carbon in timber that outlives its planter.
Growing from Seed
Iron Wood grows readily from seed. Use a loose, well-drained seed compost, sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly, and keep everything evenly moist in bright light. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Iron Wood repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
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