Plant · GBIF taxon 3054399
Chinese Tallow
Triadica sebiferaAlso known as Florida Aspen, Chicken Tree, Gray Popcorn Tree, Candleberry Tree
Chinese tallow trees are fast-growing deciduous trees famous for their brilliant autumn foliage and distinctive white, popcorn-like seeds. Native to eastern Asia, they produce a milky sap that deters herbivores and allows them to rapidly invade disturbed wetlands and upland forests. Their seed capsules remain attached throughout winter, creating persistent seed banks that easily spread via water and birds.
DeciduousInvasiveFall Colors
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- Atta Ants
- Yellow-shafted Flicker
- American Robin
ThreatsHerbicide treatments, mechanical cutting, bio-control insects
HabitatsWetlands, stream banks, disturbed areas, coastal forests
Life span30–50 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderMalpighiales
- FamilyEuphorbiaceae
- GenusTriadica
- SpeciesTriadica sebifera
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Milky sap causes skin irritation and seeds are toxic if ingested; avoid contact and do not ingest.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains sap saponins and toxalbumins that cause severe skin irritation and gastrointestinal distress if ingested.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by simple heart-shaped leaves, milky sap, and exposed white seeds resembling popcorn.
- What to do
- Wear gloves and eye protection when trimming or removing this tree to prevent contact with toxic sap.
Responsible observation
- Identification: Look for broad heart-shaped leaves and dense clusters of white, three-lobed seeds.
- Management: Avoid planting or transporting seeds, as this aggressive tree smothers native habitats.
- Safety: Wear heavy gloves when removing branches to protect against the irritating latex sap.
Ecological Look-alike (c) Sandy Wolkenberg, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sandy Wolkenberg · cc-by
Family Member (c) nmoorhatch, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by nmoorhatch · cc-by
Family Member no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子 · cc0
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