Arizona Landscaping Plants And Flowers
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Trees

Chinese Tallow Tree, Sapium sebiferum

Chinese Tallow Tree, Sapium sebiferum

Chinese Tallow Tree, Sapium sebiferum	Chinese Tallow Tree, Sapium sebiferum

Chinese Tallow Tree Sapium sebiferum, Spurge Family: ( Euphorbiaceae ), Chinese Tallow Tree. Also called: . Chinese Tallow is a deciduous tree growing to around 25 feet tall with a medium crown. In autumn the leaves turn crimson, with some yellow and orange foliage. In November and December green - yellow flower spikes appear on the tips of the branches, they are followed by three - celled capsules. The fruit ripens and then turns brown in autumn, it then splits open to reveal the three seeds which are covered with a layer of white wax. In southern China, a substantial industry once revolved around the harvesting and processing of its waxy seeds. They were thrown into boiling water to remove the wax, which was skimmed off and used to make candles. The seeds were then pressed to extract an oil for use in lamps, as a purgative, and for making oil-paper and soap. Chinese tallow tree will grow in most soils, but prefers a well-drained sandy loam enriched with organic matter. Water well until the tree becomes established. Plant in a warm sunny position for the best autumn color. Height: To 25 feet. Spread may reach 40 feet. Flowers: Monoecious; inconspicuous, light green in small tight clusters. Flowering Time: February - April. Leaves: Alternate, simple, elliptical to broadly lanceolate, small up to 2 inches long, pinnately veined, twice serrate margin; base of leaf is inequilateral, shiny dark green above and nearly glabrous, pale below. Bark: Light - gray with shallow, irregular furrows. The stems contain an irritant milky sap. Fruit: Has a flattened, winged samara, nearly round but notched at the top, 1/2 inch long, light reddish brown, occuring in tight clusters. Found: Origin: Northern China, eastern Siberia, Manchuria, and Korea, first introduced into America in the 1860's. Elevation: 0 to 12,000 Feet. Habitat: Landscaping. Miscellaneous: Photos Taken at Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden June 06, 2006.