PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates urban pollution and compacted soil
Watering
Deep, infrequent watering; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to -30°C; adapts to temperate and continental climates
Characteristics
- Leaf: Large, palmately lobed (3–5 lobes), bright green, turning yellow-brown in fall
- Bark: Exfoliating, creating mottled patches of cream, tan, and brown
- Fruit: Spherical button-like clusters, persisting into winter
- Flower: Small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers in dense clusters
Care Guide
Watering
Deep water every 7–10 days during dry spells to encourage deep root growth
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once to support new growth. Avoid fertilizing in late summer to prevent tender new growth from frost damage
Composted banana peel tea：Compost banana peels for 4–6 weeks until fully decomposed, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; discard solid debris to avoid odor and pest issuesPruning
- Remove dead or damaged branches in late winter before new growth emerges
- Thin crowded inner branches to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Shape young trees to establish a strong central leader for structural stability
- Remove suckers at the base to maintain a clean trunk form
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes strength and resilience in urban landscapes due to its tolerance of pollution
Usage: Large shade tree for parks and streets; wood used for furniture, veneer, and paper production
