PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerant of urban pollution and coastal winds
Watering
Water deeply during prolonged dry spells; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; tolerates hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters
Characteristics
- Leaf: Heart-shaped, glossy dark green, serrated margins, 6–12 cm long
- Flower: Male catkins are long, yellow-brown; female catkins are small, green, developing into woody cones
- Stem/Bark: Smooth grey-brown bark when young, becoming fissured with age
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply every 7–10 days during dry periods
Fertilization
Apply 5–10 cm of composted mulch around the base. Mulch helps retain moisture and add slow-release nutrients to the soil
Composted banana peel tea：Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks; steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench to avoid nutrient burnPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter
- Thin crowded branches to improve air circulation and light penetration
- Shape young trees to establish a strong central leader for structural stability
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Urban shade tree, riparian stabilization, nitrogen-fixing soil improver
