PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates hot, dry conditions once established; avoid dense, full shade
Watering
Young trees need regular deep watering; mature, established trees are drought-tolerant, requiring supplemental water only during extreme dry spells
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; tolerates high summer temperatures up to 40°C with adequate moisture for young specimens
Characteristics
- Leaf: Broad, palmately lobed (3–5 lobes), 10–25 cm wide; bright green turning golden-brown in fall
- Bark: Smooth, mottled white, tan, and gray; peels in irregular patches to reveal new bark underneath
- Flower: Small, spherical greenish-yellow inflorescences; male and female flowers on separate heads
- Fruit: Clusters of spherical, brown achenes persisting through winter
Care Guide
Watering
Young trees: water deeply every 7–10 days; mature trees: water every 2–4 weeks during dry periods
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once in early spring. Do not fertilize newly planted trees for the first 12 months
Composted banana peel tea：Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 before applying to root zone; avoid over-application to prevent nutrient burnPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter to early spring before new growth emerges
- Thin crowded canopy to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration for lower foliage
- Avoid heavy pruning; remove only necessary branches to maintain the tree's natural spreading shape
- Clean pruning tools with rubbing alcohol between cuts to prevent disease transmission
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity symptoms
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes resilience and adaptability in arid Western US landscapes
Usage: Large shade tree for parks and residential gardens; wood used for furniture and traditional Indigenous basketry
