Triadica sebifera

A medium, deciduous tree with a round canopy. The tree’s outstanding foliage is green and refreshing. The leaves are glabrous, simple and heart-shaped. The tree tends to have a spectacular fall appearance. Due to its propagation from seeds, Triadica sebifera are differentiated from one another by their fall appearances. In the nursery, we have successfully created two clones with outstanding fall shows: ‘Ilan Lohev’ has an especially long-lasting fall appearance in fire colors of yellow, orange and red, and ‘Bordo’ has a long-lasting fall appearance in deep red-burgundy-purple. It is one of the only trees whose leaves are guaranteed to change color even in temperate areas that are not cold. The tree excels in fast growth and will reach its maturity after three years. It requires relatively little water and is drought resistant. The tree is sensitive to excess water and has a tendency for chlorosis. It is also sensitive to mites.

The tree is monoecious and bisexual, meaning that the same tree has both male and female flowers. It prefers a temperate climate without very long frosts. Its root system is not invasive, and it makes an excellent street tree. When it is selected for this purpose, we recommend planting trees from a single clone to maintain a uniform appearance of the street in an impressive, uniform fall appearance that will beautify the street or boulevard where they are planted.

Interestingly, the tree’s seeds, which are found in threes in black pods, were used for centuries to produce oil mainly used for varnishes, and today is also used in the biodiesel industry. The wax that covers the seeds is used to make soap and candles.

Its green and refreshing foliage, which creates a spectacular fall show that is in itself reason enough to choose Triadica sebifera as an ornamental tree. The tree’s beautiful shape combined with its rapid growth and the abundant shade it creates make Triadica sebifera a leading tree in the ornamental field, and with excellent reason.

In the same family: Triadica sebifera | Triadica sebifera ‘Ilan Lohev’ | Triadica sebifera ‘Bordo’