Japanese Varnish Tree Firmiana simplex

Chinese parasol tree is a  small to medium-sized, fast-growing, deciduous tree in the Malvaceae or mallow family that has a unique appearance. This tree grows quickly and aggressively to 30 to 45 feet tall and  20 to 30 feet wide with a dense rounded canopy.  It is noted for its green stems and green bark as well as its bold, bright green, large-lobed leaves. The leaves grow 8 to 12 inches across enabling it to cast dense shade like a parasol, hence the common name. Long panicles of lightly fragrant white to yellow-green flowers occur in late spring or early summer, followed by unusual showy seed pods. The flower stalks persist on the tree and can be somewhat unsightly. Bright yellow fall color appears before the leaves drop revealing more of the structure of the tree and its unusual green bark that matches the color of the stems. This tree is self-fertile meaning it can reseed itself easily.  

This tree is native to Eastern China, Japan, Taiwan, and parts of Vietnam.  It is found growing along roadsides and other disturbed areas. The Chinese parasol tree was brought to North America in the late1700s by Andre Michaux who planted it in his garden in Charleston, South Carolina. It has been grown as an ornamental or street tree since that time and is found in at least 20 states. 

The genus name, Firmiana, is in honor of Karl Josef von Firmian of the Austrian Empire, the Governor of Lombardy. and a patron of the botanic garden of Padua. The specific epithet, simplex, refers to the leaf type and means simple. This tree has many common names. The Japanese Varnish Tree references the brownish, varnish-like liquid that is found in the seed pods. The Phoenix Tree refers to the Phoenix bird of Chinese legend that is said to have perched on the Firmiana tree. 

This tree will grow in sun to partial shade and in a variety of soils if they are well-drained.  In sandy soils, it is a prolific self-seeder.  The branches are susceptible to breakage and need constant pruning to maintain shape. It is best planted in protected sites to prevent wind damage. This tree is drought-tolerant once established and deer. Bees and butterflies are attracted to fragrant flowers.

The Chinese parasol tree may be considered for use as an urban tree in parking lots or highway medians. While it is sometimes used as a specimen or shade tree because of its unusual form and color, it may be best to consider another type of tree or consider a native tree instead. This tree grows quickly, is aggressive, and is a prolific seed producer, particularly in the warmer regions of the United States. It is listed as invasive in several southeastern states.

Seasons of Interest:

Bark:  Winter              Bloom: Late Spring and Early Summer            Foliage:  Spring, Summer, and Fall      Fruits:  Summer and Fall

Quick ID Hints:

• small to medium-sized tree with green stems and green bark
• large, bold, bright green, 3 to 5 lobes, palmately veined, and measuring up to  12 inches in width
• abundant, fragrant, apetalous flowers with white to creamy and greenish-yellow sepals, arranged in terminal panicles
• pod-like fruits that contain a brownish-varnish-like liquid and small, pea-like seeds

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  The Chinese Parasol Tree has no serious insect pests or disease problems. Root rot may occur if the soil is not adequately drained. The trunk scale can kill this tree if not controlled. This tree is capable of becoming weedy due to seedlings and is considered invasive in some southern states including SC, GA, MS, and TN. The fruit and large leaf litter can be messy on hardscape surfaces.

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.