Buckwheat Tree Plant Care

Buckwheat Tree (Cliftonia monophylla) belongs to the Cyrillaceae family within the Cliftonia genus. Buckwheat Tree is native to the southeastern United States. Buckwheat Tree is also known as Titi, Fetterbush.

Buckwheat Tree displays an upright, multi-stemmed shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Buckwheat Tree produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Buckwheat Tree every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Buckwheat Tree thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Buckwheat Tree in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Cliftonia monophylla tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Buckwheat Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Moist, acidic soil with good drainage, rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Buckwheat Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Buckwheat Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and moist, acidic soil with good drainage, rich in organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Buckwheat Tree is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Buckwheat Tree can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Buckwheat Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Buckwheat Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Buckwheat Tree can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Buckwheat Tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Buckwheat Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Buckwheat Tree is native to the southeastern United States. In cooler regions, grow Buckwheat Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.