Triadica sebifera
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Sapium sebiferum
- Phonetic Spelling
- try-uh-DEE-kuh seb-EE-fer-uh
- This plant has medium severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Chinese tallow is a drought-tolerant shade tree in the Euphorbiaceae family. It can reach heights and widths of 40 feet, with a 3-foot diameter, excellent for creating shade. Its deep taproot allows the tree to hydrate in drought conditions.
This tree invades wet areas such as ditches and stream banks as well as some upland dry areas. In undisturbed forests, it can prohibit native vegetation, and alter soil conditions due to the tannins (organic substance) in leaf litter. The ability to grow in crowded locations, as well as any lighting conditions, allows the establishment of additional trees. The seeds are spread by birds, only complicating the spread. In order to eradicate this plant, total removal of the plant and seeds is required.
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: The leaves and fruit are toxic to humans and cattle. This tree can be invasive.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Triadica
- Species:
- sebifera
- Family:
- Euphorbiaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- China
- Distribution:
- AL, AR, CA, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, TX
- Wildlife Value:
- Attracts bees and other insects.
- Play Value:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Dimensions:
- Height: 30 ft. 0 in. - 40 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 30 ft. 0 in. - 40 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Tree
- Habit/Form:
- Pyramidal
- Rounded
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Medium
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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)
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12-24 feet
- 24-60 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 8b, 8a, 9b, 9a, 10b, 10a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Black
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- Clusters of greenish three-lobed fruit turn black when ripe. The Capsule contains white, wax-coated seeds.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Spike
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Size:
- > 6 inches
- Flower Description:
- The yellowish flowers appear on 8 inch dangling spikes.
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Leaves:
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Cordate
- Ovate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves have a long pointed tip.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Shade Tree
- Specimen
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
