Plant DetailShow Menu

Dendropanax trifidus

Phonetic Spelling
den-DRO-pan-aks TRY-fee-dus
Description

Dendropanax trifidus is an flowering evergreen shrub or small tree in the ivy family that can reach a maximum height of 25 feet with glossy, large, triple lobed leaves that become entire on adult trees and bring a tropical look to the landscape. The tree has a rounded, or umbrella like, form and good branching structure. This plant is hardy through USDA zone 7 and tolerates all light conditions, including full shade. Its flowers are yellowish-green and unassuming, but the black fruits that follow are relished by birds. 

Dendropanax trifidus is rare in the United States, but is a tough and adaptable addition to the landscape that tolerates full sun to total shade as well as summer drought. It does best in average, well drained soil. In full sun, it will need regular watering. The plant is deer resistant.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or pests.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Shade Garden at the New Hanover County Arboretum
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#hardy#small tree#drought tolerant#green flowers#glossy leaves#tropical evergreen#black fruits#evergreen shrub#evergreen tree#food source fall#bird friendly#tropical feel#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#hardy#small tree#drought tolerant#green flowers#glossy leaves#tropical evergreen#black fruits#evergreen shrub#evergreen tree#food source fall#bird friendly#tropical feel#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Dendropanax
    Species:
    trifidus
    Family:
    Araliaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Korea, Central and Southern Japan, Taiwan
    Wildlife Value:
    Birds enjoy the fruits. Flowers attract bees and beneficial wasps.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 7 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Ascending
    Broad
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    NC Region:
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Black
    White
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Description:
    White berries turning black in the fall.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Solitary
    Umbel
    Flower Description:
    Yellowish-green flowers are terminal, solitary umbels or more often 2 to 5 flowers including late blooming male flowers.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leathery
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Cuneate
    Elliptical
    Obtuse
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Lobed
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Large glossy three lobed leaves on juvenile plants. Leaf blade often dimorphic. Unlobed blades are ovate or elliptic to broadly ovate. Three-veined at the base, secondary veins are raised on both surfaces. Lobed blades on juvenile plants become entire on mature plants.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Light Brown
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Flowering Tree
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Pollinators
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought