Other Names:  Twinberry, form. Eugenia simpsonii

Description:

An excellent evergreen large shrub or small tree with stiff branches and tiny rounded dark green leaves that emerge burgundy; white flowers bloom year-round, with a peak in spring, followed by showy, edible berries; a great ornamental street tree or hedge

Ornamental Features

Simpson's Stopper is bathed in stunning panicles of fragrant white pincushion flowers at the ends of the branches from early winter to late fall. It has attractive dark green foliage with hints of coppery-bronze which emerges burgundy in spring. The tiny glossy oval leaves are highly ornamental and remain dark green throughout the winter. The fruits are showy red drupes which fade to burgundy over time, which are carried in abundance from early winter to late fall. The peeling brick red bark and brown branches are extremely showy and add significant winter interest.

This plant is primarily grown as an ornamental, but it's also valued for its edible qualities. The round sweet fruit is most often used in the following ways:

• Fresh Eating
• Preserves

Landscape Attributes

Simpson's Stopper is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. It is a good choice for attracting birds, bees and butterflies to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Simpson's Stopper is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use
• Windbreaks and Shelterbelts

Planting & Growing

Simpson's Stopper will grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn't require a second plant nearby to set fruit.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. This plant will benefit from an application of bonemeal and/or mycorrhizal fertilizer at the time of planting. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America..