Chinese Parasoltree

(Firmiana simplex)

Chinese Parasoltree (Firmiana simplex)

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Firmiana simplex Native Range
Native Range
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Climate Requirements

• Precipitation 43" - 86"
• High Temp. 81°F - 96°F
• Low Temp. 29°F - 57°F

Summary

Firmiana simplex, commonly known as Chinese Parasoltree, is a deciduous tree or large shrub native to open woodlands, forest edges, and limestone hills in China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. It can grow up to 16 meters (52 feet) tall and is noted for its large, palmate leaves that can reach up to 30 cm (12 inches) across, providing a tropical appearance. The tree’s bark is smooth and greenish, which adds to its ornamental value. The small, fragrant greenish-white flowers are borne in large, showy inflorescences during the summer months. These flowers emit a variable fragrance that can include lemony, citronella, and chocolate tones, depending on the weather and time of day.

The Chinese Parasoltree is valued for its unique foliage and attractive bark, making it a distinctive choice for urban planting, specimen trees, and large borders. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, preferring full sun to part shade, with slow to medium drainage. While it is not commonly known for any significant disease problems, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. It has been found to become invasive in the southern United States, spreading rapidly along waterways.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 30-45 feet
  • Width: 20-30 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Yellow, Green
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

native to open woodlands, forest edges, and limestone hills in China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan

Other Names

Common Names: Wutong, Chinese-Bottletree, Phoenixtree, Chinese Parasol-Tree, Japanese Varnishtree, Chinesischer Sonnenschirmbaum, 벽오동, Ao-Giri, Byeogodongnamu, Wu Tong

Scientific Names: Firmiana simplex, Sterculia platanifolia, Sterculia tomentosa, Firmiana platanifolia, Firmiana platanifolia f. tomentosa, Hibiscus simplex, Sterculia pyriformis, Sterculia simplex, Caucanthus platanifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Firmiana simplex (L.) W.Wight