PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full to partial sun; requires 4+ hours of daily sunlight for vibrant fall foliage; tolerates light shade
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil dries out; avoid standing water to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; thrives in temperate climates; avoid prolonged extreme heat above 38°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Palmate, 5-lobed, bright green with serrated margins; turns vivid red/orange in fall
- Flower: Small yellow-green umbel clusters; blooms before full leaf emergence
- Stem/Bark: Smooth gray-brown bark in youth; develops shallow fissures as it matures
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth; apply mulch to retain soil moisture
Fertilization
Diluted balanced granular feed once monthly. Use low-nitrogen feed to promote healthy foliage and fall color
Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest attractionPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter to maintain canopy structure
- Thin crowded inner branches to improve airflow and light penetration
- Avoid heavy pruning; only trim to shape or remove diseased growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes seasonal transition and natural beauty in temperate garden landscapes
Usage: Ornamental shade tree for parks, residential yards, and street planting
