PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerant of prolonged flooded conditions in native wetland habitats
Watering
Tolerates standing water for weeks; water deeply during dry spells to support young tree establishment
Temperature
Hardy to -20°C; withstands hot summer temperatures when rooted in moist soil
Characteristics
- Leaf: Opposite, pinnately compound; 7–11 elliptical, glossy green leaflets with serrated margins
- Stem/Bark: Gray-brown, furrowed mature bark; swollen, bulbous base to anchor in saturated soil
- Flower: Small, purplish-green, dioecious panicles; blooms before new foliage emerges
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist; tolerate seasonal flooding events
Fertilization
Apply slow-release granular fertilizer once at bud break. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support root development
Composted banana peel tea：Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to avoid nutrient burnPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter before new growth
- Thin crowded upper branches to improve sunlight penetration and airflow
- Avoid heavy pruning during active growth to prevent stress and disease
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects in humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Timber for furniture and flooring; wetland restoration to stabilize saturated soil
