PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates urban heat and prolonged drought conditions
Watering
Water deeply every 7–10 days during dry spells; established mature trees are highly drought-tolerant
Temperature
Hardy to -18°C; withstands high summer temperatures up to 38°C without significant stress
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small, oblong to elliptical leaves with rough upper surfaces and serrated margins; yellow to bronze fall color.
- Flower: Tiny, greenish apetalous flowers in clusters; appear before new leaves in late summer.
- Stem/Bark: Gray-brown, furrowed bark with scaly ridges; slender, drooping young branches.
Care Guide
Watering
Water newly planted trees weekly to establish root systems; established trees need supplemental water only in extreme drought
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once in early spring before new growth emerges. Use fertilizer with equal nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to support healthy canopy growth
Eggshell powder top-dressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the tree base; water lightly to incorporate into topsoil and avoid runoffPruning
- Prune dead or damaged branches in late winter to early spring before new growth begins
- Thin crowded inner branches to improve airflow and reduce fungal disease risk
- Remove suckers at the tree base to maintain a single, strong trunk form
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Shade tree for urban landscaping, street tree, wildlife habitat
