PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; blooms most profusely in full sun, tolerates moderate shade
Watering
Water deeply during prolonged dry spells; established trees have moderate drought tolerance
Temperature
Hardy to -20°C; tolerates summer temperatures up to 35°C; avoid prolonged extreme cold below -25°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Ovate to oblong leaves 7–15 cm long, with double-serrated margins, dark green upper surface, and pale pubescent underside
- Flower: Small greenish-yellow perfect flowers in dense clusters, blooming after full leaf emergence
- Stem/Bark: Young stems have fine pubescence; mature bark is gray-brown with shallow, irregular fissures
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply every 7–10 days during dry periods to support new growth
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote healthy canopy growth without excessive vegetative spread
Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 4–6 weeks, dilute 1:20 with water for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestationsPruning
- Prune dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter to early spring before new growth emerges
- Thin crowded inner branches to improve airflow and light penetration through the canopy
- Remove basal suckers regularly to maintain a single-trunk tree form
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic; no adverse effects from ingestion
Humans: No known toxic effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental shade tree for parks and residential landscapes; wood used for furniture and flooring
