Dendropanax trifidus
- Phonetic Spelling
- den-DRO-pan-aks TRY-fee-dus
- Description
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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:
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- Tags:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Ascending
- Broad
- Rounded
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Low
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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
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Black
- White
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Fruit Description:
- White berries turning black in the fall.
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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.
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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.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Light Brown
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Flowering Tree
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Pollinators
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
