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Triadica sebifera (Chinese tallow tree)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
15m
Max height
Max height
10m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Triadica sebifera
Other names
Chinese tallow tree, Sapium sebiferum, Vegetable tallow tree, Florida aspen, Chicken tree, Grey popcorn tree, Candleberry tree, Croton sebifer, Stillingia sebifera
Genus
Triadica Triadica
Species
T. sebifera - T. sebifera is a tender, upright to rounded, deciduous tree with broadly ovate to heart-shaped, waxy, bright green leaves turning red, orange, yellow, and purple in autumn, and spike-like clusters of yellow-green flowers from spring into early summer followed by three-lobed, green fruit capsules, turning brown when ripe, containing white, waxy seeds.
Triadica sebifera is: Deciduous
Habit
Rounded, Upright
Toxicity
Leaves are toxic if ingested. Sap and seeds may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction.
Flower
Yellow-green in Spring; Yellow-green in Summer
Foliage
Bright-green in Summer; Orange, Yellow, Red, Purple in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1.
Propagation
Propagate by seed or grafting.
Propagation methods
Grafting, Hardwood cuttings, Seed, Softwood cuttings, Suckers
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Where to grow
Triadica sebifera (Chinese tallow tree) will reach a height of 15m and a spread of 10m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
City, Low Maintenance, Specimen tree, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
Grows in a wide range of soil conditions in full sun or partial shade. Easily tolerates waterlogged conditions. Site carefully as it is highly invasive and creates a toxic soil environment where grown. Fallen leaves can be toxic to other plants.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Triadica sebifera
Other names
Chinese tallow tree, Sapium sebiferum, Vegetable tallow tree, Florida aspen, Chicken tree, Grey popcorn tree, Candleberry tree, Croton sebifer, Stillingia sebifera
Genus
Triadica Triadica
Species
T. sebifera - T. sebifera is a tender, upright to rounded, deciduous tree with broadly ovate to heart-shaped, waxy, bright green leaves turning red, orange, yellow, and purple in autumn, and spike-like clusters of yellow-green flowers from spring into early summer followed by three-lobed, green fruit capsules, turning brown when ripe, containing white, waxy seeds.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Rounded, Upright
Toxicity
Leaves are toxic if ingested. Sap and seeds may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction.
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Colour
Flower
Yellow-green in Spring; Yellow-green in Summer
Foliage
Bright-green in Summer; Orange, Yellow, Red, Purple in Autumn
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1.
Propagation
Propagate by seed or grafting.
Propagation methods
Grafting, Hardwood cuttings, Seed, Softwood cuttings, Suckers
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Triadica sebifera (Chinese tallow tree) will reach a height of 15m and a spread of 10m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
City, Low Maintenance, Specimen tree, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
Grows in a wide range of soil conditions in full sun or partial shade. Easily tolerates waterlogged conditions. Site carefully as it is highly invasive and creates a toxic soil environment where grown. Fallen leaves can be toxic to other plants.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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