Black Jetbead
Rhodotypos scandens
Rosaceae (Rose Family)
▲ mature shrubs along south wall of Carrington Hall, MSU campus
▲ foliage and fruit
Location on campus: on south side of Carrington Hall
Rhodotypos scandens: Black Jetbead
· unique in Rose family for having opposite leaves; leaves also deciduous, simple, ovate withdoubly-serrated margins and pointed tips; light, bright green above and paler green with silky pubescence below and a ribbed petiole
· stems are green, shiny and glabrous when young, becoming brown to reddish brown with age and orange lenticels
· flowers are unique for Rose family in being 4-petalled, white, single at stem tips in mid spring
· fruit is a hard, black drupe (hence the name) about 1/3" long
· grows 3-6' tall and 4-9' wide as a layered, rounded shrub
· very adaptable, tolerating full sun to full shade and many soil types
· medium to fast growth rate