Vernicia fordii

The tung oil tree is native to southern China in the spurge family. It can grow 40 ft tall and has hibiscus-type flowers that are white with red centers that bloom before the leaves appear. It can grow in full sun but also tolerates being an understory tree and is not very cold tolerant.

The seeds of the tung oil tree are rich in unsaturated oils and are harvested to be used in the production of lacquers, varnishes, linoleum, oilcloth, resins, paints, greases, brake-linings, polishing compounds, and artificial leather.  Early in the 1900's, the importation of these oils reached millions of gallons per year.  Due to the high demand for the oils, this tree was brought to the US by Gulf Coast farmers in search of a cash crop. 

By the 1920's, there were over 10,000 acres of tung oil trees being grown along the Gulf Coast in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.  The 1940's come along, synthetic resins begin to become an alternative.  Production declined and it was no longer viable as an income-producing crop.  The trees remained and were able to establish themselves in forest edges, rights of ways and urban green spaces.  Its suckering habit has allowed it to flourish and spread.  In FL, GA and AL it is considered an invasive and noxious weed.  

Controlling its growth and spread has proven to be a challenge. Since they can reproduce through suckers, removal of a tree must be complete.  After felling the tree, the remaining stump should be chemically treated immediately after the cutting is done.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Susceptible to dieback and canker.  All parts of this tree are poisonous, consumption can cause death.  Its leaves can cause a rash similar to poison ivy.  Spreading by suckers, it can become invasive. Please consider planting native trees. A few are listed to the left.