PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates dappled woodland shade in native habitats
Watering
Water deeply during prolonged dry spells; established mature trees are drought-tolerant
Temperature
Extremely cold-hardy; withstands hot summer temperatures in its native temperate range
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, pinnately compound leaves with 7–11 lanceolate leaflets; dark green upper surface, paler underside
- Flower: Dioecious, small purplish-green clustered flowers with no petals
- Bark: Gray-brown, deeply fissured into scaly ridges as the tree matures
Care Guide
Watering
Water young trees weekly during dry periods; established trees need minimal supplemental water
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Fertilize only young or stressed trees; mature established trees rarely need supplemental feeding
Composted banana peel tea：Use fully composted banana peels; dilute 1:20 with water for root drench to avoid nutrient burnPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter while the tree is dormant
- Thin crowded upper branches to improve air circulation and light penetration
- Maintain the tree's natural oval crown shape; avoid heavy pruning that disrupts growth structure
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No documented toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Used by Eastern Woodlands Indigenous peoples for traditional basket weaving due to its flexible wood
Usage: Timber for furniture and tool handles; provides food and shelter for woodland wildlife
