Lance-leaf Azara is a tall arching evergreen shrub in the willow family (Salicaceae). This plant was discovered by Charles Darwin in 1834, and is native to Argentina and Chile. The Genus name honors the Spanish naturalist, Felix de Azara (1742-1821). The species name refers to the leaf shape. This small tree grows 12 to 20 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide and prefers partial shade in moist well-drained amended soils. It is humidity-tolerant and should be protected from strong winds as the leaves will blacken. Propagate by layering and semi-hardwood cuttings. It blooms on previous years' growth so prune only after flowering is completed. The shrub has striking bright golden yellow flowers in the spring with a faint vanilla scent that attract pollinators. They make a wonderful show against the glossy green leaves. They are followed by nearly white to pale mauve berries that are attractive to birds. Use this shrub in the border, as a hedge or as a specimen. It can be used as an understory tree or shrub and works in a pollinator and bird-friendly garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids, scale insects, powdery mildew, and rust are possible.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0)
Soil drainage
Moist
Available space
12-24 feet
NC region
Coastal; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 12 ft. 0 in. - 18 ft. 0 in. | Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
2 - Understory (15-40 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Arching
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf shape
Lanceolate; Ovate
Leaf margin
Serrate
Leaf size
1-3 inches long, < 1 inch wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
The leaves of this plant are arranged oppositely. However, one of the leaf pair may be considerably smaller than the other. The larger leaves are simple, longer than they are wide (lanceolate) with serrate margins; the smaller, ovate. The leaves are a glossy green but sometimes turn black in harsh winter temperatures.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow
Flower value
Fragrant; Showy
Flower form
Corymb
Flower shape
Irregular
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Rich yellow flowers in clusters have a 4-four-lobed calyx but no petals and showy extruded stamens. The clusters appear from most of the leaf axils. Blooms in April.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Purple/Lavender; White
Fruit type
Berry
Fruit value
Showy
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
The fruits are small berries arranged along a stem. The color varies from almost white to pale reddish-purple.
Bark color
Light Brown
Bark detail
The bark of this small tree starts off a reddish color in the spring but eventually changes to the medium to light brown color. It can be smooth or slightly rough.