PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates intense desert sunlight when provided adequate water
Watering
Deep, infrequent watering; allow the top 30 cm of soil to dry completely between watering sessions
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; tolerates high summer heat up to 40°C with sufficient soil moisture
Characteristics
- Leaf: Palmate, 3–5 lobed, bright green above and pale gray-green below; turns yellow-brown in fall
- Flower: Tiny, spherical male and female flower clusters; greenish-yellow in color
- Bark: Exfoliating, mottled tan, cream, and gray; peels to reveal smooth, lighter underbark
Care Guide
Watering
Deep water every 7–10 days; increase frequency to every 5 days during prolonged heatwaves
Fertilization
Apply slow-release granular fertilizer once at bud break. Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive foliage growth
Composted banana peel tea：Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 with water before applying as a root drench to support leaf healthPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter before new growth emerges
- Thin crowded inner branches to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Avoid heavy pruning; maintain the tree's natural spreading crown shape
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no known toxic compounds
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no reported adverse effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Shade tree for urban parks, residential landscapes; helps control soil erosion along stream banks
