Chinese tallow

Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera)

Chinese tallow, also known as Chicken tree, Candleberry tree

Chinese tallow is a weedy tree native to China and Japan. It has been introduced to areas such as Puerto Rico, Sudan, and the southeast United States. It is considered highly invasive in India, Taiwan, Australia, and the United States. It displaces native plants by absorbing their nutrients and forming a monoculture. Control of this weed's prolific spread causes significant economic strains in eastern Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Mississippi. Chinese tallow is poisonous to humans and cattle and may cause contact dermatitis. Nevertheless, it has been used for ornamental and cosmetic purposes. The weed can be controlled via mechanical removal and powerful herbicides.
,
Chinese tallow is a fast-growing shade tree native to China. It can tolerate urban areas well and helps to provide shade in mostly concrete areas and home to small animals that may live in cities. The nectar of chinese tallow is used by beekeepers to produce high quality honey. And although the oils derived from the tree can be toxic, they do have commercial purposes.

Key Facts About Chinese tallow

PlantJoy - Identify plants with a snap

Identify and diagnose plants, get toxicity alerts, and explore safety guides for all types of fungi.

Try for Free

Attributes of Chinese tallow

Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Plant Height
15 m
Spread
4.5 m to 6 m
Leaf Color
Green Red
Flower Size
15 cm
Flower Color
Yellow Green

Scientific Classification of Chinese tallow

Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Nances, spurges, willows and allies
Family
Spurge
Genus
Triadica
Species
Chinese tallow

Toxicity

Ingesting or coming into significant physical contact with the sap