PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Partial shade to full sun; prefers dappled woodland light in hot summer climates
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist in growing season; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; withstands mild summer heat, thrives in cool temperate conditions
Characteristics
- Leaf: Palmate compound leaves with 3–5 grape-like leaflets, turning reddish-orange in autumn
- Flower: Small yellow-green umbellate clusters, emerging before full leaf unfurling
- Stem/Bark: Smooth grey-brown bark, developing shallow fissures with maturity
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain even soil moisture; apply mulch to reduce evaporation
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once at bud break. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive leaf growth at the expense of autumn color
Eggshell powder top dressing：Crush dried eggshells to fine powder; sprinkle 1 tsp around the base in early spring; gently work into topsoil to avoid pest attractionPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter to improve airflow
- Thin overcrowded inner branches to maintain an open, natural canopy shape
- Avoid heavy pruning; minimal trimming is needed to preserve the tree's graceful form
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic; no harmful effects on cats from ingestion or contact
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental woodland tree; valued for autumn foliage color
