Plot & PetalField ManualAll plants
Burkwood osmanthus
Osmanthus x burkwoodii (Burkwood & Skipwith) P.S.Green
Pet & Human Safety
People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them
No ASPCA page for this hybrid. Do not treat as pet-safe.
PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.
Poison control
If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.
Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.
Naturalist Lore
Historical Background & Breeding Lore
The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.
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- Hardiness zones
USDA 6a-8b per NC State Plant Toolbox; hardy to USDA zone 7 per Oregon State; Trees and Shrubs Online says very hardy (no zone number)
- Light
Full sun to partial shade; flower production is best in full sun (NC State).
- Water needs
moderate moderate is a plain-language reading of NC State: well-drained soil, will not tolerate wet feet but appreciates supplemental irrigation; also tolerates drought and shade. Always finger-test two inches down.
- Mature size
NC State: 6-8 ft tall and wide; Oregon State: slow growing to 8 ft and as wide
- Family
Oleaceae (NC State, Oregon State)
How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.
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Botanical Anatomy & Characteristics
How the flowers and leaves are built and which pollinators visit, where we have them.
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Field Doctor
What can go wrong with this plant and what to do about it, where we have them.
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Vintage Plates
Old botanical drawings from public libraries are in the app, for plants where we have them.
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