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Federal Noxious WeedTDA Noxious WeedTPWD Prohibited Exotic Species 
Invasive Plant Atlas of the USFirmiana simplex
Chinese parasoltree
Synonym(s): Firmiana platanifolia (L. f.) Schott & Endl., Sterculia platanifolia L. f.
Family: Sterculiaceae (cocoa family)
Duration and Habit: Perennial Tree
Photographer:
Source: Courtesy Missouri Botanical PlantFinder
Description
Chinese Parasoltree has a very unusual appearance for a deciduous tree, having green stems and bark and extremely large, three to five-lobed bright green leaves. Each leaf is up to 12 inches across and casts as much shade as an actual parasol. Chinese Parasoltree has a dense, upright, oval canopy and reaches 35 to 50 feet in height, spreading 15 to 20 feet. In June or July, 10 to 20-inch-long, upright, loose, terminal panicles of yellow/green blooms appear and are followed by the production of peculiar pods which split open into four petal-like sections to reveal the small, round seeds. The foliage of Chinese Parasoltree can turn brilliant yellow before dropping in fall to reveal an interesting branching structure of green stems.
Ecological Threat:
Biology & Spread:
History:
US Habitat: Prefers moist areas.
Distribution
US Nativity: Introduced to U.S.
Native Origin: Asia
US States: AL, AR, CA, FL, GA, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA
Mapping
Invaders of Texas Map: Firmiana simplex
EDDMapS: Firmiana simplex
USDA Plants Texas County Map: Firmiana simplex
Invaders of Texas Observations
List All Observations of Firmiana simplex reported by Citizen Scientists
Resembles/Alternatives
- Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore)
- Taxodium distichum (bald cypress)
- Cupressus arizonica (Arizona cypress)
Management
USE PESTICIDES WISELY: ALWAYS READ THE ENTIRE PESTICIDE LABEL CAREFULLY, FOLLOW ALL MIXING AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND WEAR ALL RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR AND CLOTHING. CONTACT YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL PESTICIDE USE REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS. MENTION OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS ON THIS WEB SITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENT OF ANY MATERIAL.Online References
Google Search: Firmiana simplex
Google Images: Firmiana simplex
NatureServe Explorer: Firmiana simplex
USDA Plants: Firmiana simplex
Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States: Firmiana simplex
Bugwood Network Images: Firmiana simplex
Text References
Gilman, E.F and D.G. Watson. 1993. Firmiana simplex, Chinese Parasoltree. United States Forest Service, Fact Sheet ST-259.
Data Source
