Firmiana simplex
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Firmiana platanifolia
- Phonetic Spelling
- fer-mee-AY-nuh SIM-plecks
- Description
-
Chinese Parasol Tree is a medium-sized deciduous tree in the mallow family native to Asia. It is noted for its large lobed leaves which can grow 8-12 inches across enabling it to cast dense shade. In early summer long panicles of yellow-green flowers occur, followed by unusual seed pods. This tree is capable of becoming weedy due to seedlings and is considered invasive in some southern states.
This tree will grow in sun to partial shade and in a variety of soils if they are well-drained. It could be used as a shade tree but consider using native trees.
VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- ‘Variegata’
Green and white dappled leaves
- ‘Variegata’
- ‘Variegata’
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- ‘Variegata’
Green and white dappled leaves
- ‘Variegata’
- ‘Variegata’
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Firmiana
- Species:
- simplex
- Family:
- Malvaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- The wood is used for the soundboards of several Chinese instruments.
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Central & S. China to Vietnam, S. Japan to Taiwan
- Dimensions:
- Height: 35 ft. 0 in. - 50 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 15 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Erect
- Oval
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a, 9b, 9a
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- Leathery capsules split into to four petal-like sections to reveal the small, round seeds.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Panicle
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Flower Description:
- Up to 12 inch long panicles of yellow-green flowers in early summer. Mildly fragrant.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Palmasect
- Leaf Margin:
- Lobed
- Undulate
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Large 3-5 lobed leaves with palmate veining up to 12 inches across. Undersides are` pubescent.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Green
- Bark Description:
- Breen bark
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Unusual green and tan bark
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Lawn
- Design Feature:
- Shade Tree
- Problems:
- Messy
- Weedy
