Sapium sebiferum  Chinese Tallow Tree Euphorbiaceae

  Sapium sebiferum   Sapium sebiferum

  Native to Asia. Moderate growth deciduous tree. Design height is 30', mature height is 40'. Design spread is 25', mature spread is 30'. Simple leaves, 1-2" long, medium green with bronzy new growth, entire and elliptic.

Yellow 1/4" flowers on spikes, from July to October. White 1/2" capsule fruit. Prefers full sun, high to moderate water, acid, neutral, loam and sandy soil OK. Tolerates heat.

Resistant to Armillaria root rot and deer. Propagate by seed. Prune by thinning. This plant looks good as a multi-trunked tree or as a standard. Remove suckers whenever they appear. This tree will stump sprout.

Use as a screen, as a patio or garden tree, as a street or lawn tree.

Photos taken on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley.

   Sapium sebiferum