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Triadica sebifera - Chinese tallow tree
View plant record in Invasive Plant Database.
View assessment in Invasive Plant Inventory.
Introduction
This woody species exhibits root sprouting characteristics and are treated using a combination of mechanical and chemical methods. Where feasible, individual trees will be cut and their stumps will receive herbicide applications within five minutes of the initial cut. For larger individuals located in areas with minimal foot-traffic, trees can be girdled and the exposed cambium will receive herbicide application. Basal applications of herbicide may also be used on any size tree of this species. In, or very near water, the preferred treatment is cut stump or frill/girdle application of an appropriate herbicide. Herbicide application can be done using a directed spray on stumps, girdling wounds, injection or as a basal application. Follow-up treatments may be required to control root sprouts before an effective level of control is reached. The species also reproduces from seed, and follow-up treatments of seedlings will frequently be required. Seeds are primarily dispersed by birds, animals or water. On sites which contain extensive stands of mature Chinese tallow, special considerations for accelerated post treatment soil erosion should be included when planning treatment.
Herbicide should not be applied when rainfall is expected within 48 hours or when winds exceed 8 miles per hour. Follow departmental requirements for control near water bodies. In general, avoid chemical control near water bodies when feasible. When chemical control is warranted near water bodies, use formulations licensed for aquatic use.
Restoration of soil and vegetation and follow-up monitoring, are necessary following treatment, especially when soil is left bare, to prevent reinfestation. Restoration is site specific, but in general the two basic steps are addressing soil damage and reintroducing appropriate native species through seeding or replanting. If the area cannot be immediately reseeded or replanted, it should be mulched, or otherwise protected, to reduce soil erosion and further invasion.
Identification
Deciduous tree to 60 feet (18 m) in height and 3 feet (90 cm) in diameter, with heart-shaped leaves, dangling yellowish spikes in spring yielding small clusters of three-lobed fruit that split to reveal popcorn-like seeds in fall and winter.
Special Features
Common Habitats
Invades stream banks, riverbanks, and wet areas like ditches as well as upland sites. Thrives in both freshwater and saline soils. Shade tolerant, flood tolerant, and allelopathic. Increasing widely through ornamental plantings. Spreading by bird- and water-dispersed seeds and colonizing by prolific surface root sprouts.
Can reach reproductive age in as little as three years and prolifically produces seeds, which are readily transported by water and birds. Flowers mature March through May and fruit ripens August through November. Also propagates via cuttings, stumps, and roots.
Control Strategy
Cultural Control - A thick layer of mulch can help prevent seeds from germinating, but is not appropriate in all situations.
This species is currently listed not he Texas Department of Agriculture Noxious Plant List and in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the U.S.
Manual Control - Manually pull new seedlings and tree wrench saplings when soil is moist, ensuring removal. Small saplings can be dug up, or pulled out of the ground using a weed wrench. Stems should be cut at least once per growing season, or cutting should be combined with cut stump herbicide treatment .
Mechanical Control - Mow open areas at regular intervals to discourage vegetative growth and prevent seed development. Repeated mowing and cutting at ground level will control the spread of this species, but will not eradicate it.
Biological Control -
Chemical Control - Once the tree is cut the stump should be treated with a concentrated solution (50%) of triclopyr or glyphosate and water. Basal application of 25% Triclopyr and 75% horticultural oil is also an acceptable option. Formulations of Triclopyr, such as Remedy RTU can be used undiluted for cut stump and basal applications. In, or very near water, the preferred chemical is Imazapyr (Habitat) used as a cut stump or frill/girdle application.
Comments
Chinese tallow tree resprouts from the roots and reproduces readily from seed. Follow-up treatment will be required. Treat the abundant seedlings after parent tree is killed.
References
Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Land Management Plan, Tier IIA, Chapter 4 Vegetation Management (BCPP). 2007. Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. Austin, Texas, U.S.A.
Batcher, M.S. 2000. Element Stewardship Abstract for Ligustrum spp. Prepared for The Nature Conservancy. http://www.imapinvasives.org/GIST/ESA/index.html
Bugwood Wiki. http://wiki.bugwood.org/.
Conrad, W., K. Thuesen, M. McCaw, G. Gillman, and G. McGlamery. 2006. Integrated Pest Management Plan: Water Quality Protection Lands Program (WQPL). City of Austin, Austin Water Utility, TX.
Integrated Pest Management Plan, Town Lake Trail System: Woodland Systems. 2004. City of Austin, TX.
Kaufman, S.R. and W. Kaufman. 2007. Invasive Plants: A Guide to Identification, Impacts, and Control of Common North American Species. Stockpile Books, Mechanicsburg, PA.
Level II Contract Criteria, Vegetation Control Services. City of Austin, TX.
Miller, J.H, S.T. Manning, and S.F. Enloe. 2010. A Management Guide for Invasive Plants in Southern Forests. USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station. General Technical Report SRS– 131.
PESTMAN. http://pestman.tamu.edu/.
Ramos, R. and T. Houtman. 2010. City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department:
Integrated Pest Management Program. Austin, TX.
Texas Invasives. http://www.texasinvasives.org/.
The Nature Conservancy. Element Stewardship Abstracts. Housed at iMap Invasives. http://www.imapinvasives.org/GIST/ESA/index.html
This management protocol is intended to provide minimum standards in the absence of a site-specific IPM. When a site-specific IPM exists, managers should adhere to it. Always apply herbicides under the direction of a licensed pesticide applicator and follow label directions.
Organization: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Phone: 512-232-0107
Email: jstrickland@wildflower.org
Address:4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin, TX 78739
Date: 2012-05-02
