Storehousebush: An Uncommon Asian Shrub for Southern Gardens
If you’ve stumbled across the name storehousebush and scratched your head wondering what exactly this plant is, you’re not alone! Cudrania tricuspidata is one of those lesser-known shrubs that quietly made its way from Asia to a few spots in the American South. While it’s not going to win any popularity contests against native beauties, this unassuming perennial shrub has some interesting characteristics worth exploring.
What Exactly Is Storehousebush?
Storehousebush is a deciduous shrub that typically grows as a multi-stemmed woody plant reaching 13-16 feet in height, though it can sometimes stretch taller or develop a single trunk depending on growing conditions. Think of it as nature’s version of a shape-shifter – adaptable but not particularly showy.
This Asian native originally hails from China, Korea, and Japan, but has established itself in parts of Georgia and North Carolina, where it reproduces on its own in the wild. It’s what botanists call a naturalized species – basically, it’s made itself at home without any help from humans.
Should You Plant Storehousebush in Your Garden?
Here’s the honest truth: while storehousebush isn’t particularly problematic, it’s not exactly a showstopper either. Let’s break down the pros and cons:
The Good
- Low maintenance once established
- Adaptable to various growing conditions
- Drought tolerant
- Can work in Asian-themed garden designs
- Hardy in USDA zones 6-9
The Not-So-Good
- Limited ornamental value compared to native alternatives
- Small, inconspicuous flowers offer minimal pollinator benefits
- Being non-native, it doesn’t support local wildlife as effectively
- Can self-seed, potentially spreading beyond where you want it
Growing Storehousebush Successfully
If you’ve decided to give storehousebush a try, the good news is that it’s pretty forgiving. This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and isn’t particularly picky about soil types. Once established, it’s quite drought tolerant, making it suitable for low-water gardens.
Planting and Care Tips
- Plant in spring or fall for best establishment
- Space plants 6-8 feet apart if using as an informal hedge
- Water regularly during the first year, then reduce frequency
- Prune in late winter to maintain shape and size
- Watch for self-seeding and remove unwanted seedlings promptly
Consider Native Alternatives
Before you commit to storehousebush, consider these fantastic native alternatives that offer similar growing characteristics but provide much more value to local ecosystems:
- American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) – Stunning purple berries that birds adore
- Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) – Excellent for pollinators and supports specialist butterflies
- Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) – Beautiful flowers and interesting seed heads
- Native viburnums – Outstanding for both wildlife and ornamental value
The Bottom Line
Storehousebush falls into that perfectly fine but not exciting category of plants. While it won’t cause ecological havoc like some invasive species, it also won’t contribute much to supporting local wildlife or pollinators. If you’re drawn to its understated Asian aesthetic and low-maintenance nature, go for it – just be prepared for a plant that’s more functional than fabulous.
However, if you’re looking to create a garden that truly supports local ecosystems while providing beauty and interest, you’ll likely find much more satisfaction with native alternatives that offer similar growing requirements but infinitely more ecological value. Your local pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects will definitely thank you for choosing native!
