PlantFun
Plant Needs
Characteristics
- Leaf: Variable shapes (oval, mitten, three-lobed) on the same tree; glossy green foliage turns yellow, orange, or red in fall
- Flower: Small, yellow-green, clustered in drooping racemes
- Stem/Bark: Young stems have smooth green bark; mature bark is rough, reddish-brown with deep vertical furrows
Care Guide
Deep watering every 7-10 days during dry spells; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Apply slow-release granular fertilizer once in early spring. Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive foliage growth at the expense of fall color
Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2-3 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 with water for root drenching; avoid applying directly to foliage- 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
- Trim suckers growing from the base to maintain a single trunk or desired tree shape
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and liver damage
Humans: Contains safrole, a compound classified as a possible human carcinogen with chronic high exposure; regulated for commercial use
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Historically used by Indigenous North American peoples for medicinal teas and flavoring; commercial use restricted due to safrole content
Usage: Ornamental tree for fall foliage; limited traditional culinary and medicinal uses under regulated conditions
