Chinese Parasol Tree
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Average mature size of 30-45' tall and 15-30' wide. Round or oval tree.

Native Range

China, Japan. Introduced 1757.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers are yellowish-green, occur in 10 to 20" long, upright, loose, terminal panicles in June-July. Fruits are 3-4" long pods, split open into 4 sections soon after flowering. Pea-sized seeds, 0.25" round, hang to the inside edges of the pod. Ripen in late summer, persist into the fall. Viable seeds could sprout in surrounding areas in warm climates.

Leaf and Bark Features

Leaves 6-8" long and wide but can be over 12" especially on vigorous young plants. 3- or 5-lobed, generally shaped like a maple leaf, though much larger and tropical looking. Rich green, glabrous or pubescent beneath; long petiole. Sometimes develops yellowish fall color. Bark on stem and young trees is smooth, gray-green and adds to winter interest. Buds are large and round with numerous fuzzy red-brown scales.

Culture and Care

Best in a full-sun, wind-protected location. Very adaptable to many soil characteristics, as long as it is fairly well-drained. Can grow in part shade, but becomes more columnar reaching for sunlight. Drought tolerant once established. Zones (6)7-9.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA