PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates urban pollution and drought once fully established
Watering
Water deeply once weekly for young trees; established mature trees require minimal supplemental watering
Temperature
Hardy to -30°C; tolerates hot summer temperatures but prefers cool to temperate growing conditions
Characteristics
- Leaf: Pinnately compound with 7–9 elliptical leaflets; dark green upper surface, pale lower surface; turns yellow to deep purple in fall
- Flower: Small, inconspicuous purplish-green blooms; dioecious (separate male and female trees)
- Stem/Bark: Mature bark has gray-brown diamond-shaped fissures; sturdy, upright trunk with branching canopy
Care Guide
Watering
Water young trees deeply once weekly; reduce frequency for established, drought-tolerant trees
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once during early growth. Avoid late-summer fertilization to prevent frost-susceptible new growth
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 tbsp around the base of young trees in spring; water thoroughly to release nutrientsPruning
- Prune dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter while dormant
- Thin crowded inner branches to improve airflow and light penetration
- Remove basal suckers to maintain a clean trunk and prevent energy loss
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No documented toxicity to cats
Humans: No documented toxicity to humans from typical exposure
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes strength and longevity in North American forest ecosystems
Usage: High-quality timber for furniture, flooring, and baseball bats; widely planted as a shade tree in urban areas
