Chinese tallowtree

Triadica sebifera (L.) Small

Description from Invasive.org

Appearance
Triadica sebifera is a deciduous tree reaching 60 ft. (18.3 m) in height and 3 ft. (0.9 m) in diameter.
Foliage
Leaves are alternate, heart-shaped, 2-3 in. (5.1-7.6 cm) long with a long, pointed tip.
Flowers
Flowering occurs from April to June. The flowers are yellowish and occur on 8 in. (20 cm) long, dangling spikes.
Fruit
Three-lobed, greenish fruit are found in clusters at the end of branches. Fruit mature to black and then open to reveal the white wax covered seeds.
Ecological Threat
Triadica sebifera invades wet areas such as stream banks and ditches but can also invade drier upland sites. Triadica sebifera is a serious threat because of its ability to invade high quality, undisturbed forests. It can displace native vegetation as well as alter soil conditions due to the high amount of tannins present in the leaf litter. Triadica sebifera is a native of China and was introduced into South Carolina in 1776 for ornamental purposes and seed oil production.

Resources


Selected Images from Invasive.org

View All Images at Invasive.org


Twig(s)/Shoot(s) Tift County, GA
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Foliage
Karan A. Rawlins, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Foliage
Cheryl McCormick, University of Florida, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Tree(s) fall color
Ronald F. Billings, Texas A&M Forest Service , Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Tree(s)
Dennis Teague, U.S. Air Force, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Seedling(s)
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Bark
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Twig(s)/Shoot(s) September
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Flower(s)
Mark Atwater, Weed Control Unlimited, Inc., Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Flower(s)
Rebekah D. Wallace, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Fruit(s) fruit and waxy coated seeds
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Fruit(s)
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Seed(s)
Joseph LaForest, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Seed(s)
Steve Hurst, USDA NRCS PLANTS Database, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Infestation
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Infestation
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Infestation
Rebekah D. Wallace, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Distribution