common sweetleaf Symplocaceae Symplocos tinctoria (L.) L'Hér.   symbol: SYTI
	Leaf: Alternate, simple, entire margin or nearly so, oblong or narrowly elliptical, broadest near or above middle, thick, 2 to 6 inches long, tardily deciduous, shiny green above, yellow-green below. Sweet tasting. Flower: Monoecious; small and appear in clusters, small white petals and numerous stamens, appear has hairy balls before the new leaves. Fruit: Dry drupes, 1/2 inch long, egg-shaped, orangish brown, mature in late summer. Twig: Moderate, reddish brown, chambered pith, leaf scar with one-bundle scar, buds large, sharp pointed, scales fringed. Bark: Grayish green or brown, initially smooth but later develops warty lenticels and shallow splits. Form: A shrub or small tree up to 30 feet, branches curve upward.
	USDA Plants Database Symplocos tinctoria is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. See states reporting common sweetleaf (opens a new window).