Tungoil Tree Vernicia fordii
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Aleurites fordii
- Phonetic Spelling
- al-eh-yoo-REE-teez FOR-dee-eye
- This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- This plant is an invasive species in North Carolina
- Description
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The seeds of Vernicia fordii are rich in unsaturated oils and are harvested to be used in the production of lacquers, varnishes, linoleum, oilcloth, resins, paints, greases, brake-linings, polishing compounds, and artificial leather. Early in the 1900's, the importation of these oils reached millions of gallons per year. Due to high demand for the oils, this tree was brought to the US by Gulf Coast farmers in search of cash crop.
By the 1920's, there were over 10,000 acres of tungoil trees being grown along the Gulf Coast in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. The 1940's come along, synthetic resins begin to become an alternative. Production declined and it was no longer viable as a income producing crop. The trees remained, and were able to establish themselves in disturbed habitats. Its suckering habit has allowed it to flourish and spread. In some locations it is considered an invasive and noxious weed.
Controlling its growth and spread has proven to be a challenge. Since they can reproduce through suckers, removal of a tree must be complete. After felling the tree, the remaining stump should be chemically treated immediately after the cutting is done.
In its natural habitat, it can be found growing along right of ways, forest edges and in urban green spaces.
(Flowers resemble Hibiscus syriacus).
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Susceptible to dieback and canker.
All parts of this tree are poisonous, consumption can cause death. Its leaves can cause a rash similar to poison ivy.
Spreading by suckers, it can become invasive.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Vernicia fordii
- Species:
- fordii
- Family:
- Euphorbiaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- China and Vietnam
- Distribution:
- AL, CA, FL, GA, LA, MS, PR, TX
- Wildlife Value:
- Attractive to bees, who pollinate the flowers.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Screening
- Shade
- Dimensions:
- Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Poisonous
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Rounded
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- 24-60 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 8b, 8a, 9b, 9a, 10b, 10a, 11b, 11a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Green
- Red/Burgundy
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Fruit Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Fruit Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Fruit Description:
- 3" fruits are large, globular, and contain 3-7 seeds.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Petals:
- 7 - 20 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- Flowers are pale pink to white, with red veins. They have 5-7 petals in large clusters and bloom before the leaves emerge.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Cordate
- Ovate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The 3-lobed, light green leaves are alternate, simple, long-stalked, and heart-shaped. They range from 6" to 10" long. The petioles are long with a red gland at the base of each leaf.
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Bark:
- Bark Description:
- The bark is smooth, thin and exudes a milky white sap when cut.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Coastal
- Slope/Bank
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Flowering Tree
- Shade Tree
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Poor Soil
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Invasive Species
- Poisonous to Humans
- Weedy
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Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- High
- Poison Symptoms:
- HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN! Poison part: All parts, but mainly the seeds Poisonous if ingested. Symptoms may include severe stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, slowed breathing, and poor reflexes; may be fatal.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Glycoside and phytotoxin
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- Yes
- Poison Part:
- Bark
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Roots
- Seeds
- Stems